An imidazolium tosylate salt as efficient and recyclable catalyst for acetylation in an ionic liquid

A novel non-metallic salt, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate ([bmim][OTs]) dissolved in the ambient temperature ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF₄]), was found to be the efficient catalyst for acetylation with the advantages of good recyclability, avoidance of metal contamination, mild reaction conditions, and wide availability for substrates (alcohols, phenols, and amines), could completely replace organic bases, metal Lewis acids, or metallic triflates to fulfill acetylation by a nucleophilic catalytic mechanism, which was supported by ¹³C NMR analysis. Correspondence: Ye Liu, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Chemistry Department of East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.     

Task-oriented use of ionic liquids: efficient acetylation of alcohols and phenols

The ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate proves to be an excellent reaction medium for the acetylation of alcohols and phenols, providing better conditions than the acidic 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bisulfate. Reactions were carried at room temperature, with only a 10% excess of acylating agent and with no other solvent or catalyst added.     

Application of ionic liquids as a catalyst in the synthesis of polyvinyl butyral(PVB) polymer

Polyvinyl butyral(PVB) polymer was successfully synthesized using ionic liquid(IL) catalyst. The synthesis of PVB was achieved by acetalization of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and butyraldehyde(BA) in the presence of[HMIM]⁺HSO₄^- IL catalyst. The FT-IR, ¹H NMR, DSC, GPC and SEM characterizations were used to analyze the structure and properties of PVB. The effects of the concentration of PVA in water and the number of reuse cycles on the acetalization degree were investigated. The results indicated that the maximum acetalization degree of PVB obtained using[HMIM]⁺HSO₄^- IL catalyst was up to 72%. The comparison of the commercial PVB and the PVB obtained using[HMIM]⁺HSO₄^- IL catalyst showed that the self-made PVB has a larger molecular weight, higher viscosity, and higher acetalization degree than the commercial PVB.     

Catalytic degradation of lignin model compounds in acidic imidazolium based ionic liquids: Hammett acidity and anion effects

Ionic liquids based on the 1-methylimidazolium cation with chloride, bromide, hydrogen sulfate, and tetrafluoroborate counterions along with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate were employed to degrade two lignin model compounds, guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether and veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether. The acidity of each ionic liquid was approximated using 3-nitroaniline as an indicator to measure the Hammett acidity (H₀). While all of the tested ionic liquids were strongly acidic (H₀ between 1.48 and 2.08), the relative acidity did not correlate with the ability of the ionic liquid to catalyze β-O-4 ether bond hydrolysis. The reactivity of the model compounds in the ionic liquids is dependent not only on the acidity, but also on the nature of the ions and their interaction with the model compounds.     

Use of selective ionic liquids and ionic liquid/salt mixtures as entrainer in a (vapor + liquid) system to separate n-heptane from toluene

During the last years, a large number of studies have evaluated the ability of ionic liquids (ILs) to separate aromatic from aliphatic hydrocarbons by liquid extraction. Nevertheless, in order to design a global process, a post-extraction step based on the aromatic recovery from the extract stream and the regeneration of the IL is required. Taking into account the negligible vapor pressure of the ILs, the use of separation units based on the difference of volatility among the components of the extract could be an appropriate way. However, that requires additional (vapor + liquid) equilibrium (VLE) data, which are scarce today. In this work, the isothermal VLE data for {n-heptane + toluene + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([EMim][SCN])} and {n-heptane + toluene + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMim][SCN])} mixtures were experimentally measured at T = (323.2, 343.2 and 363.2) K over the whole composition range within the rich-IL miscibility region. For that, a static headspace gas chromatograph (HS-GC) was used. In addition, the non-random two liquids (NRTL) thermodynamic model was satisfactory applied to correlate the experimental VLE data.Finally, the effect of thiocyanate-based inorganic salts (AgSCN, Co(SCN)₂ and CuSCN) on the phase behavior of the above mentioned mixtures were also analyzed through the experimental determination of the isothermal VLE of the pseudo-ternary systems {n-heptane + toluene + [EMim][SCN]/salt mixture}.The obtained results show that the use of pure thiocyanate-based ILs as entrainer increases the n-heptane relative volatility from toluene whereas the addition of inorganic salts has not led to an improvement of these results.     

Polystyrene-supported chloroaluminate ionic liquid as a new heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation

Non-hygroscopic polystyrene-supported chloroaluminate ionic liquid was prepared from the reaction of Memfield resin with 1- methylimidazole followed by reaction with aluminum chloride.This Lewis acidic ionic liquid is environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes with ethyl cyanoacetate.The catalyst is stable(as a bench top catalyst) and reusable.     

Ionic liquids as efficient phase-transfer catalysts for the solid base-promoted monoalkylation of diethyl malonate

Ionic liquids （ILs） based on 1,3-dialkylimidazolium and tetraalkylammonium cations were employed as a series of efficient, environmentally benign phase-transfer catalysts （PTCs） for the base-promoted monoalkylation of diethyl malonate. The influence of various heterogeneous bases on yields was studied. Good yields and high selectivity were obtained. Solvent-free, mild reaction condition, short reaction time, and easy purification were the merits of this method. The catalytic system （IL-hase） could also be recycled after the extraction of products with ether.     

An in-depth look at the effect of Lewis acid catalysts on Diels-Alder cycloadditions in ionic liquids

The present work explores in detail the Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and a series of dienophiles, performed in an innovative medium such as an ionic liquid. The potential activation of different Lewis acid catalysts and their load effect when used in combination with this solvent have been explored, in order to settle the improvement on rates and selectivities.     

Variation in the regioselectivity of levulinic acid bromination in ionic liquids

The reaction of levulinic acid and its esters with bromine in ionic liquids results in the formation of 3-bromo derivatives as the major products and not the 5-bromo substituted isomers, which are typically formed in organic solvents. The bromination of levulinic acid in ionic liquids in the presence of urea leads to the formation of 5-bromolevulinic acid.     

Evaluating the complexation behavior and regeneration of boron selective glucaminium-based ionic liquids when used as extraction solvents

Glucaminium-based ionic liquids are a new class of solvents capable of extracting boron-species from water with high efficiency. The complexation behavior of these ILs with borate was thoroughly studied using ¹¹B NMR. Two different complexes, namely, monochelate complex and bischelate complex, were observed. ¹¹B NMR was used extensively to determine the formation constants for monochelate and bischelate complexes. The IL concentration was observed to have a significant effect on the IL–borate complexes. Using an in situ dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (in situ DLLME) method, the extraction efficiency for boron species was increased dramatically when lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (LiNTf₂) was used as the metathesis salt in an aqueous solution containing 0.1 M sodium chloride. IL regeneration after extraction was achieved using 0.1 M hydrochloric acid. The extraction efficiency of boron species was consistent when the IL was employed after three regeneration cycles. The selectivity of the IL for boron species in synthetic seawater samples was similar to performing the same extraction from Milli-Q water samples.     

Brønsted acidic ionic liquids as dual catalyst and solvent for environmentally friendly synthesis of chalcone

Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (ILs) as dual catalyst and solvent offer a potential substitute for conventional homogenous/heterogeneous catalysts and solvent for Claisen–Schmidt (CS) condensation between acetophenone and benzaldehyde to produce chalcones. The ILs showed good catalytic activities and recycle capabilities. Both the structure of cation and anion of ILs could affect the activity of ILs. The optimized reaction conditions were investigated.     

Protic metal-containing ionic liquids as catalysts: Cooperative effects between anion and cation

HCo(CO)₄ is known to be the active species in the cobalt-catalyzed hydroformylation reaction. Although it is known that the anion [Co(CO)₄]⁻ is catalytically inactive, some cobalt carbonyl-containing ionic liquids are surprisingly able to catalyze hydroformylation reactions. However, only ionic liquids with protic cations demonstrate activity, whilst aprotic cations such as BMIM⁺ result in a completely inactive compound. The four applied cobalt-containing ionic liquids differ only by the cation component. Their different performance in catalytic activity allows the presumption of cooperative effects between the cation and the anion. These fundamental influences of the cation on the hydroformylation kinetics give hints for the reaction mechanism of biphasic hydroformylation reactions as well as on the reaction pathways of the conventional hydroformylation reaction under different reaction conditions.     

An efficient preparation and characterization of 1-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)imidazolium based ionic liquids derivatives as potential bioactive agents

A set of new 1-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1–16) have been prepared via the alkylation reaction of ethyl 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)acetate with various type of substituted alkyl halides using a microwave irradiation reaction in yields above 90%. The chemical structures of the manufactured ILs (1–16) were analyzed by mass and NMR spectroscopy. The newly prepared ILs were examined for their in vitro anti-microbial activities towards different types of Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria, and also for their antifungal activities. The preliminary tests showed that most of the resultant ILs presented modest activities towards S. aureus and B. subtilis with IZ values ranging between 10 and 14 mm, while the E. coli activities was in the range of 16 and 20 mm. However, ILs (1–16) displayed poor activities against the C. albicans.     

Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) in ionic liquid: a mild and efficient catalyst for Beckmann rearrangement

Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS)-catalyzed Beckmann rearrangement of a variety of ketoximes has been carried out in the imidazolium-based ionic liquid [bmim]PF₆ under mild conditions without using any additional cocatalyst or solvent to afford excellent conversion and selectivity. The ionic liquid is recovered and reused for up to three runs without any loss of efficiency.     

Design and synthesis of fused-ring chiral ionic liquids from amino acid derivatives

Six novel imidazolium salts, which contain a chiral moiety as well as a fused-ring system, have been designed, synthesized, and fully characterized. The synthesis of these ionic liquids is concise and practical due to the commercial availability of the starting materials. These imidazolium compounds were readily prepared from 1-methyl-2-imidazoliumcarboxaldehyde and chiral amino alcohols. Salts that contain the PF₆ anion were solids, but salts with the NTf₂ anion were liquids at room temperature. We envision that these new chiral imidazolium compounds can serve as effective reaction media as well as chiral catalysts for asymmetric reactions, which are presently being investigated in our lab.     

Heck reactions of aryl halides in phosphonium salt ionic liquids: library screening and applications

The Heck cross-coupling of aryl iodides and bromides with olefins proceeds in the phosphonium salt ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (THP-Cl) in excellent yields. Furthermore, it is shown that the counter anion matched to the phosphonium cation exerts a measurable effect on the overall yield.     

An ionic liquid based on a cyclic guanidinium cation is an efficient medium for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols

A novel room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) has been prepared containing a cyclic hexaalkylguanidinium cation. The selective oxidation of a series of substituted benzyl alcohols has been carried out in it, with sodium hypochlorite as the oxidant. The RTIL acts as both phase transfer catalyst (PTC) and solvent. The ionic liquid could be recycled after extraction of the benzaldehyde product with ether.     

Acetic acid functionalized ionic liquid systems: An efficient and recyclable catalyst for the regioselective ring opening of epoxides with NaN3

In the present study, an environmentally benign, efficient, and solvent-free procedure was developed for the synthesis of 1,2-azidoalcohols by the regioselective ring opening of some epoxides with sodium azide (NaN₃) in the presence of an acetic acid functionalized imidazolium salt [Cmmim]BF₄ or [Cmmim]Br as a green and Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (BAIL) catalyst under mild and neutral reaction conditions at 60 °C. The remarkable features of this procedure are excellent regioselectivity, simple work-up procedure, high yields of products, short reaction times, and ease of recyclability of ionic liquids.     

Phosphoric-based ionic liquids as solvents to separate the azeotropic mixture of ethanol and hexane

Ethanol and hexane mixtures are present in industrial processes producing oxygenated additives for unleaded gasoline. The separation of ethanol and hexane is important but challenging due to the formation of an azeotropic mixture. This research focuses on the study of phosphoric-based ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents for the separation of ethanol from hexane in a liquid extraction process. The knowledge of the (liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) of this mixture is essential for the design of the extraction separation technique. Hence, the experimental determination of the LLE data for the ternary system {ethanol + hexane + 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([MMIM][DMP])}, {ethanol + hexane + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP])} and {ethanol + hexane + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dibutylphosphate ([BMIM][DBP])} at T = 303.2 K and atmospheric pressure was carried out. The reliability of the experimental LLE data was confirmed by applying the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations, and the NRTL model was used to correlate the experimental results for the studied ternary system. The solute distribution ratio and selectivity, derived from the experimental LLE data, were calculated and analyzed evaluate the capacity of the investigated ILs as solvents in liquid extraction process. This capacity was also compared with that of other ILs. The experimental results show that the studied ILs can be suitable solvents in a (liquid + liquid) extraction for the separation of azeotropic mixtures of ethanol and hexane.