Selective Synthesis of 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene by Transalkylation in the Presence of Acid Ionic Liquids[Cnmim]Cl-AlCl3

A highly selective synthesis of 2,6-dimethylnaphthanlene(2,6-DMN) by transalkylation between 2-methylnaphthanlene(2-MN) and 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene(TeMB) was performed with 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazo- lium aluminum chloride([Cnmim]Cl-AlCl3) ionic liquids(ILs) as catalysts. The influences of the alkyl group as the organic cation, the acidic strength of [C4mim]Cl-AlCl3 ILs as well as the reaction conditions on the catalytic performance were investigated. [C4mim]Cl-AlCl3 ILs[x(AlCl3)=71%] exhibited high activity and selectivity toward 2,6-DMN. The selectivity to 2,6-DMN and the 2,6-DMN/2,7-DMN ratio reached up to 68.2% and 3.7:1, respectively. The UV-Vis spectrum of TeMB treated by different ILs shows that the protonated degree of TeMB dependeds on the acidity strength of ILs, which has a significant impact on the reaction results. The high protonated degree of TeMB is advantageous to enhancing the conversion of transalkylation and the large stereo-hindrance effect of TeMB is favorable to improving the selecivity to 2,6-DMN.     

Reactions of metal iodides as a simple route to heterometallics: synthesis, structural transformations, thermal and luminescent properties of novel hybrid iodoargentate derivatives templated by [YL8]3+ or [YL7]3+ cations (L = DMF or DMSO)

A 1 : 3 molar reaction of YI3 and AgI in dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of NH4I afforded [Y(DMF)8][Ag3(mu3-I)(mu-I)3I2] (1) with good yield, whereas the similar reaction in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gave complexes [Y(DMSO)8][Ag2(mu-I)3I2] (2) and/or [Y(DMSO)8]2[Ag4(mu3-I)2(mu-I)4I2][I]2 (3), depending on the reaction and crystallization conditions. These discrete heterometallic hybrid compounds 1-3 undergo solid- and solution-state transformations via condensation of iodoargentate anions. So in the confined and solvent-free environment of paratone, crystals of 1 transformed into a 1D zig-zag structure [Y(DMF)8]3+[Ag6(mu4-I)2(mu3-I)2(mu-I)5]1infinity(3-) (4), whereas those of 2 were first converted into 3 and finally into [Y(DMSO)7]4[Ag4(mu3-I)4I4]3 (5). In solution phase, re-crystalization of 1 or 2 from DMSO-toluene gave 3 as an exclusive species, whereas reaction of 1 with 3 equiv of AgI in DMF afforded 4 with good yield. Alternatively, 4 could also be synthesized with excellent yield from a 1 : 6 molar reaction of YI3 and AgI. The above transformations suggest that, for a given metal-organic cation, an iodometallate cluster with higher nuclearity is thermodynamically more stable. Single crystal X-ray structures are reported for all the compounds and a mechanism for the structural transformation of 2 to 3 is proposed. In addition, spectroscopic, thermo-gravimetric and luminescent properties of the complexes 1, 3 and 4, which were obtained exclusively and in pure form, are also described.     

Sonochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Some Alkoxyl-Functionalized Ionic Liquids Derived from 1-Butoxyl-3-butyl Imidazolium Bromide

Non-conventional techniques, such as power ultrasound (US) has been used to promote one-pot synthesis of second generation ionic liquids (ILs), reducing reaction times and improving yields. Because of the emerging importance of the ILs as green materials with wide ranging applications and our general interests in green processes such as sonication, 1-butoxyl-3-butyl imidazolium bromide (alkoxyl-functionalized) and their derivatives were synthesized using a facile and green US assisted procedure. Their structures were characterized by FT–IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and mass spectroscopy.     

Syntheses, structures and antimicrobial activities of water-soluble silver(I)-oxygen bonding complexes with chiral and racemic camphanic acid (Hca) ligands

Water-soluble, relatively light-stable, chiral and achiral silver(I) complexes [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)]](n) and [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)(Hca)(2)]](n)(R- and S-Hca =(1R,4S)- and (1S,4R)-4,7,7-trimethyl-3-oxo-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-carboxylic acid, respectively) prepared from the reaction of Ag(2)O with chiral and racemic Hca in 1:2 and 1:4 molar ratios were characterized by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, FTIR, and solution ((1)H, (13)C and (109)Ag) and solid-state ((13)C) NMR spectroscopy. Crystallography revealed that unique 2(1) helical polymer and zigzag structures were formed on self-assembly of the dimeric units in the crystals of [[Ag(2)(S-ca)(2)]](n) and three [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)(Hca)(2)]](n). In the crystal of [[Ag(2)(S-ca)(2)]](n) two 2(1) helices and a loop were observed in the stair-like polymer structure, whereas zigzag and a loop were seen in the crystals of three [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)(Hca)(2)]](n). Carbon NMR spectra in the solid state and in D(2)O indicated that these polymeric structures were loosely bound and fast ligand-exchange reactions took place in aqueous solution. The complexes, [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)]](n) and [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)(Hca)(2)]](n), showed a wide spectrum of effective antimicrobial activity as anticipated for weak silver(i)-O bonding complexes. Similar antimicrobial activity of [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)]](n) and [[Ag(2)(ca)(2)(Hca)(2)]](n) against selected microorganisms suggested that ligand exchangeability played an important role as well as the coordination geometry of the silver(i) ion.     

含有二维十二核水簇的银配合物的合成及结构表征

以Hpda[3-(3-吡啶基)乙烯酸]为配体、AgNO_3为金属源,常温下合成了一个新颖的Ag配合物[Ag_2(pda)_2(H_2O)_3]n.通过往AgNO_3和Hpda的悬浊液中滴加氨水,室温下随着氨水的挥发澄清液中析出无色的晶体,所得产物经红外、XRD及热重表征.该分子中含有2个Ag中心,每个Ag中心通过pda配体及Ag—Ag键相连形成花生形状的一维链,该链进一步被Ag—Ag键连接形成双链结构.游离的水分子之间相互作用形成二维层状水簇,呈有趣的L4(4)12(8)形状.水分子与pda配体中的羧基氧通过氢键相互作用,将一维双链延伸成三维网络结构.     

Novel synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight prepolymer of poly(p‐phenylene benzoxazole) in ionic liquids

Using ionic liquids (ILs) as the reaction solvent for the synthesis of prepolymer polyamide of poly(p‐phenylene benzoxazole) (PBO) was investigated. The optimum condition of prepolymer preparation was determined in ILs. A series of 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium ILs were used to be the reaction media of the polycondensation. The relationship between the molecular weight of prepolymer and the structure of ILs was analysed by changing the structure of the cation and species of anion of ILs. In order to prove the feasibility of the transformation, the prepolymer was used to prepare PBO in polyphosphoric acid media, and the conversion process was analyzed. The spinnability of the PBO solution was explored by the preparation of PBO fibers. The basic mechanical properties of PBO single fiber were tested. In a word, using 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium ILs as the reaction solvents was feasible for the synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight PBO prepolymer, which could be a promising PBO preparation method.     

Synthesis of Ag2O nanocrystals with systematic shape evolution from cubic to hexapod structures and their surface properties

We report the development of a facile method for the synthesis of Ag(2)O crystals with systematic shape evolution from cubic to edge- and corner-truncated cubic, rhombicuboctahedral, edge- and corner-truncated octahedral, octahedral, and hexapod structures by mixing AgNO(3), NH(4)NO(3), and NaOH at molar ratios of 1:2:11.8. A sufficient volume of NaOH solution was first added to a mixture of AgNO(3) and NH(4)NO(3) solution to promote the formation of Ag(NH(3))(2)(+) complex ions and the growth of Ag(2)O nanocrystals with good morphological control. The crystals are mostly submicrometer-sized. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterization has been performed to determine the crystalline surface facets. A band gap value of approximately 1.45 eV has been found for the octahedral Ag(2)O crystals. By changing the molar ratios of AgNO(3)/NH(4)NO(3)/NaOH to 1:2:41.8, corner-depressed rhombicuboctahedra and elongated hexapods were obtained as a result of enhanced crystal growth along the [100] directions. Smaller nanocubes with average sizes of approximately 200 and 300 nm and octapods can also be prepared by adjusting the reagent molar ratios and their added volumes. Both the octahedra and hexapods with largely silver atom-terminated {111} surface facets responded repulsively and moved to the surface of the solution when dispersing in a solution of positively charged methylene blue, but can be suspended in a negatively charged methyl orange solution. The cubes and octapods, bounded by the {100} faces, were insensitive to the molecular charges in solution. The dramatic facet-dependent surface properties of Ag(2)O crystals have been demonstrated.     

Preparation of colorless ionic liquids “on water” for spectroscopy

Although colorless ionic liquids (ILs) are most desirable, as synthesized they frequently bear color, despite appearing pure by most analytical techniques. It leads to some uncertainties and limits for the fundamental research and applications of ILs, such as spectroscopy. Using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (BMIMBr), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF₄) and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (HMIMBr) as models, we demonstrated that following classic preparing method except that the water was added as solvent, colorless ILs could be facilely prepared. Neither critical pre-treatment of starting materials and pre-cautions during the reaction nor time-consuming and costly post-decolor-purification was needed. The effects of “on water” reaction conditions on preparing colorless IL and the reason why using water as solvent could produce colorless ILs were also preliminary investigated. It was found that the reactant solubility played an important role in the preparation of colorless ILs. Not only as a method to evaluate the quality of as-synthesized ILs, but also as a spectroscopic analytical applications, UV-vis spectra showed that the ILs by this “on water” method was spectral pure and sufficient for future fundamental spectroscopic research and applications.     

A luminescent heterometallic dirhodium-silver chain

A novel one-dimensional (1D) heterometallic chain, [[Rh(2)(dfpma)(2)(MeCN)(4)](2)[Ag(MeCN)(4)]][PF(6)](5) (1), is afforded from the in situ reaction of [ClRh(cod)](2) with [Ag(MeCN)(4)][PF(6)] and dfpma (dfpma = bis(difluorophosphine)methylamine). Dichroic crystals, which are obtained from MeCN/Et(2)O solutions, crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 13.570(5) A, b = 20.895(9) A, c = 13.810(6) A, beta = 104.904(7) degrees, V = 3784(3) A(3), Z = 4. X-ray diffraction studies reveal an asymmetric unit comprising two Rh(I)(2) dimers and a square planar Ag(I) cation; this subunit propagates to form a 1D heterometallic chain. Compound 1 displays novel spectroscopic properties in the solid state, including temperature-dependent luminescence.     

Preparation of second generation ionic liquids by efficient solvent-free alkylation of N-heterocycles with chloroalkanes

Non-conventional techniques, such as microwave (MW) and power ultrasound (US) as well as combined MW/US irradiation, have been used to promote one-pot synthesis of second-generation ionic liquids (ILs), cutting down reaction times and improving yields. However, the use of chloroalkanes in the alkylation of N-heterocycles requires more drastic conditions if results are to match those obtained with more reactive alkyl halides. The present paper describes a series of MW- or MW/US-promoted IL preparations starting from chloroalkanes and classic heterocycles (1-methylimidazole, pyridine and 1-methylpyrrolidine). When reactions were carried out under conventional heating in an oil bath they required longer reaction times and gave poorer yields. (1)H-NMR analysis and ion-exchange chromatography showed that the present solventless procedure afforded ILs of satisfactory purity. The observed high yields (usually 70-98% isolated), and short reaction times showed that a straightforward access to ILs can be also achieved with the use of alkyl chlorides, resulting in a considerable reduction of costs.     

Evaluation of Spectroscopic and Morphological Properties of PMMA Modified with ILs

Summary: In recent years, an important class of new compounds, ionic liquids (ILs), has been investigated as additives for polymers. In this work, we carried out the synthesis of 4 different ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM.BF₄), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM.PF₆), and the chiral ILs acetyl-(−)menthol-1-buthylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ([amebim]BF₄) and acetyl-(−)menthol-1-buthylimidazole hexafluorophosphate ([amebim]PF₆). These ILs were added to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in 10, 20 and 30% ratios by weight and the ILs, PMMA and the obtained materials (PMMA:ILs) were characterized by infrared, visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscope. The ILs added to PMMA did not provide significant changes in the infrared spectra, compared to pure PMMA. However, the absorption spectra in the visible region of the PMMA:ILs materials showed differences, compared to the spectrum of pure PMMA.     

酸性离子液体催化油酸酯化合成生物柴油简

酸性离子液体具有催化活性好、选择性高及易于回收等优点,是一种应用前景非常好的环境友好的酸性催化剂,在生物柴油合成反应中具有重大的理论意义和应用价值. 本文以油酸和甲醇为原料,探讨了7种不同酸性离子液体在生物柴油合成反应中的催化效应. 研究表明,离子液体酸性越强,催化酯化活性越高;引入磺酸基团可大大增强离子液体Brönsted酸性,使其在酯化反应中发挥溶剂/催化剂的双重作用,促进酯化反应向产物方向进行,达到高产率,因而1-丁基磺酸-3-甲基咪唑硫酸氢盐（[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄）催化效果最好. 此外,系统研究了[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄催化油酸与甲醇酯化反应,并采用响应面法优化了反应条件. 结果发现,该反应的最适醇酸摩尔比、催化剂用量、反应温度及反应时间分别为4：1,10%（基于油酸的质量）,130 ℃和4 h;在此条件下,生物柴油产率为97.7%. [BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄连续使用10批次后,仍能保持初始催化活性的95.6%,表现出极好的操作稳定性. 另外,利用该离子液体催化游离脂肪酸含量为72%的废油脂生产生物柴油,反应6 h可获得产率94.9%. 可见,[BHSO₃MIM]HSO₄在酯化生产生物柴油方面具有巨大的应用潜力.     

New eutectic ionic liquids for lipase activation and enzymatic preparation of biodiesel

The enzymatic preparation of biodiesel has been hampered by the lack of suitable solvents with desirable properties such as high lipase compatibility, low cost, low viscosity, high biodegradability, and ease of product separation. Recent interest in using ionic liquids (ILs) as advanced reaction media has led to fast reaction rates and high yields in the enzymatic synthesis of biodiesel. However, conventional (i.e., cation-anion paired) ILs based on imidazolium and other quaternary ammonium salts remain too expensive for wide application at industrial scales. In this study, we report on newly-synthesized eutectic ILs derived from choline acetate or choline chloride coupled with biocompatible hydrogen-bond donors, such as glycerol. These eutectic solvents have favorable properties including low viscosity, high biodegradability, and excellent compatibility with Novozym(?) 435, a commercial immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B. Furthermore, in a model biodiesel synthesis system, we demonstrate high reaction rates for the enzymatic transesterification of Miglyol(?) oil 812 with methanol, catalyzed by Novozym(?) 435 in choline acetate/glycerol (1:1.5 molar ratio). The high conversion (97%) of the triglyceride obtained within 3 h, under optimal conditions, suggests that these novel eutectic solvents warrant further exploration as potential media in the enzymatic production of biodiesel.     

Aggregation of ionic liquids [C(n)mim]Br (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) in D2O: a NMR study

Aqueous solutions of five ionic liquids (ILs) of the 1-n-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide family, [C(n)mim]Br (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12), were investigated by NMR measurements at 298.2 K as a function of IL concentrations. Critical aggregation concentrations and aggregation numbers of these ILs were determined by 1H NMR except for [C4mim]Br in D2O. The effects of the alkyl chain length of the cations were examined on the aggregation behavior of the ILs. 1H NMR data of the solvent D2O were used to investigate the hydration of the ILs in D2O, and it was found that the ionic hydration and the cation-anion association or aggregation of the ILs offset each other. The microenvironment of different protons of cations of the ILs in the aggregates was probed by determining the spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T1). It is suggested that the imidazolium rings in the aggregates are exposed to water and that the molecular motion of the aggregates is more restricted than that of the monomers of the ILs. Furthermore, a stair-like microscopic aggregation structure is suggested for the [C(n)mim]Br/D2O (n = 6, 8, 10) systems from 2-D 1H-1H NOESY measurements.     

Metastable Se6 as a ligand for Ag+: from isolated molecular to polymeric 1D and 2D structures

Attempts to prepare the hitherto unknown Se(6)(2+) cation by the reaction of elemental selenium and Ag[A] ([A](-) = [Sb(OTeF(5))(6)](-), [Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](-)) in SO(2) led to the formation of [(OSO)Ag(Se(6))Ag(OSO)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)](2)1 and [(OSO)(2)Ag(Se(6))Ag(OSO)(2)][Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](2)2a. 1 could only be prepared by using bromine as co-oxidant, however, bulk 2b (2a with loss of SO(2)) was accessible from Ag[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] and grey Se in SO(2) (chem. analysis). The reactions of Ag[MF(6)] (M = As, Sb) and elemental selenium led to crystals of 1/∞{[Ag(Se(6))](∞)[Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](∞)} 3 and {1/∞[Ag(Se(6))Ag](∞)}[AsF(6)](2)4. Pure bulk 4 was best prepared by the reaction of Se(4)[AsF(6)](2), silver metal and elemental selenium. Attempts to prepare bulk 1 and 3 were unsuccessful. 1-4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure determinations, 2b and 4 additionally by chemical analysis and 4 also by X-ray powder diffraction, FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Application of the PRESTO III sequence allowed for the first time (109)Ag MAS NMR investigations of 4 as well as AgF, AgF(2), AgMF(6) and {1/∞[Ag(I(2))](∞)}[MF(6)] (M = As, Sb). Compounds 1 and 2a/b, with the very large counter ions, contain isolated [Ag(Se(6))Ag](2+) heterocubane units consisting of a Se(6) molecule bicapped by two silver cations (local D(3d) sym). 3 and 4, with the smaller anions, contain close packed stacked arrays of Se(6) rings with Ag(+) residing in octahedral holes. Each Ag(+) ion coordinates to three selenium atoms of each adjacent Se(6) ring. 4 contains [Ag(Se(6))(+)](∞) stacks additionally linked by Ag(2)(+) into a two dimensional network. 3 features a remarkable 3-dimensional [Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](-) anion held together by strong Sb-FAg contacts between the component Ag(+) and [SbF(6)](-) ions. The hexagonal channels formed by the [Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](-) anions are filled by stacks of [Ag(Se(6))(+)](∞) cations. Overall 1-4 are new members of the rare class of metal complexes of neutral main group elemental clusters, in which the main group element is positively polarized due to coordination to a metal ion. Notably, 1 to 4 include the commonly metastable Se(6) molecule as a ligand. The structure, bonding and thermodynamics of 1 to 4 were investigated with the help of quantum chemical calculations (PBE0/TZVPP and (RI-)MP2/TZVPP, in part including COSMO solvation) and Born-Fajans-Haber-cycle calculations. From an analysis of all the available data it appears that the formation of the usually metastable Se(6) molecule from grey selenium is thermodynamically driven by the coordination to the Ag(+) ions.     

Isothiouronium salts as useful and odorless intermediates for the synthesis of thiaalkylimidazolium ionic liquids

A simple and odorless route for the synthesis of monocationic and dicationic thiaalkylimidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) is reported. Our approach starts with the selective monoalkylation of dihalogenated substrates by methylimidazole derivatives, followed by the synthesis of odorless isothiouronium salts via reaction with thiourea. The target ILs are obtained after sequential hydrolysis-alkylation of the isothiouronium salts followed by anion metathesis in water. After extraction, the novel thiaalkylimidazolium ILs are obtained with high purity, without the requirement of additional purification steps. In order to demonstrate their applicability, two of these task-specific ILs were employed as ligands in Ullmann and Suzuki couplings and also as charged probes to detect copper intermediates via ESI(+)-MS.     

Self-assembly of ionic liquids-stabilized Pt nanoparticles into two-dimensional patterned nanostructures at the air-water interface

In this paper, we demonstrate the self-assembly of ionic liquids (ILs)-stabilized Pt nanoparticles into two-dimensional (2D) patterned nanostructures at the air-water interface under ambient conditions. Here, ILs are not used as solvents but as mediators by virtue of their pronounced self-organization ability in synthesis of self-assembled, highly organized hybrid Pt nanostructures. It is also found that the morphologies of the 2D patterned nanostructures are directly connected with the quantities of ILs. Due to the special structures of ILs-stabilized Pt nanoparticles, 2D patterned Pt nanostructures can be formed through the pi-pi stack interactions and hydrogen bonds. The resulting 2D patterned Pt nanostructures exhibit good electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction.     

Ionic liquids and deep eutectic mixtures as new solvents for the synthesis of vanadium fluorides and oxyfluorides

An exploratory study of the synthesis of vanadium (oxy)fluorides (VOFs) using ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic mixtures (DESs) as a solvent yielded 10 different materials. The previously reported chain type: (NH(4))(2)VF(5) (1), (NH(4))(2)VOF(4) (2), NH(4)VO(3) (3) and (H(2)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)NH(2))VF(5) (9) have been successfully produced for the first time using ILs as the reaction media. The monomeric (HNH(2)CH(3))(2)VOF(4)(H(2)O) (4), the dimer (HNH(2)CH(3))(4)V(2)O(2)F(8) (5) and the 1D chains (HNH(2)CH(3))(2)VF(5) (6), (H(2)O)(2)VF(3) (7), α-(H(2)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)NH(2))VOF(4) (8) and β-(H(2)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)NH(2))VOF(4) (10) are novel materials. Template control has also been achieved by the selective choice of ILs or the appropriate deep eutectic mixture, where the expected template is delivered to the reaction by the partial breakdown of the urea derivative portion of the DES.     

Influence of Different Organic Carboxylate Anions on the Crystal Structure of Silver(Ⅰ)Coordination Polymers

The reaction of AgNO3 , 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) and 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid (H2bpdc)/2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (H2bqdc)/1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2bdc) gave rise to block-like crystals of [Ag4(bpy)2(bpdc)2]·13H2O(1), [Ag2(bpy)(bqdc)(H2O)]·4.5H2O(2) and [Ag2(bpy)2(H2O)2](bdc)·3H2O(3) by slow evaporation. All the three complexes contain sandwich-like crystal structures, in which anionic sheets built up from different anions (bpdc2- , bqdc2- and bdc2- ) and lattice water molecules via rich hydrogen-bonding interactions are inserted between the cationic silver complex layers, and the abundant Ag···Ag, Ag···N and π-π stacking interactions further strengthen the 3D frameworks. The lattice water molecules are situated among the framework of crystal structure and stabilized by rich hydrogen-bonding interactions, and lattice water molecules may play a role in the orientation of organic anions in the crystal packing. Additionally, the thermal properties of 1, 2 and 3 were also discussed in detail.     

Ionic liquids as novel and green media for clean synthesis of soluble aromatic‐aliphatic poly(amide‐ester)s containing hydroxynaphthalene urazole moiety

Ionic liquids (IL)s are very attractive and environmentally acceptable solvents. They can be used as green media for a number of chemical processes. In this investigation, for the advancement of ecological safety and improvement of technological ability of this process, room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL)s and quaternary ammonium salt, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) have been used both as an environmentally benign solvent and catalyst for the polycondensation 4‐(3‐hydroxynaphthalene)‐1,2,4‐triazolidine‐3,5‐dione ( 3HNTD ) with aliphatic diacid chlorides, eliminating the need for a volatile organic solvent (VOS) and additional catalyst. The reaction of monomer 3HNTD with acetyl chloride was performed in N,N‐dimethylacetamide solution at different molar ratios, and the resulting mono‐, di‐, and trisubstituted derivatives were obtained in high yields and were finally used as models for polymerization reactions. The effects of various reaction parameters, such as the nature of the ILs, the amount of ILs, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time, on the yields and inherent viscosities of the resulting poly(amide‐ester)s (PAE)s were studied. Polycondensation reactions successfully proceeded in IL without any additional extra components, such as triethylamine or pyridine, which are used in similar reactions in organic solvents. Therefore, ILs can act both as solvent and catalyst. In addition to the solubility test, inherent viscosity as a measure of molecular weight was determined. PAEs were obtained in high yields with inherent viscosities ranging from 0.18 to 0.34 dl g^?1. This method was also compared with conventional method for the synthesis of PAEs. Fluorimetric studies of the model compound as well as polymers were performed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.