Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation To Construct Functionalized β‐ and γ‐Lactones in Ionic Liquids

A highly efficient and mild palladium‐catalyzed, one‐pot, four‐step cascade annulation has been developed to afford functionalized β‐ and γ‐lactones in moderate to good yields with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivities in ionic liquids. The employment of ionic liquids under mild reaction conditions makes this transformation green and practical. Especially, this reaction provided a novel and convenient methodology for the construction of naturally occurring biologically active β‐ and γ‐lactones.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 5‐Cyanotetrazolide‐Based Ionic Liquids

New salts based on imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, phosphonium, guanidinium, and ammonium cations together with the 5‐cyanotetrazolide anion [C₂N₅]^? are reported. Depending on the nature of cation–anion interactions, characterized by XRD, the ionic liquids (ILs) have a low viscosity and are liquid at room temperature or have higher melting temperatures. Thermogravimetric analysis, cyclic voltammetry, viscosimetry, and impedance spectroscopy display a thermal stability up to 230 °C, an electrochemical window of 4.5 V, a viscosity of 25 mPa s at 20 °C, and an ionic conductivity of 5.4 mS cm^?1 at 20 °C for the IL 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium 5‐cyanotetrazolide [BMPyr][C₂N₅]. On the basis of these results, the synthesized compounds are promising electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries.     

Ionic Liquids as Precatalysts in the Highly Stereoselective Conjugate Addition of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes to Chalcones

Imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) serve both as recyclable reaction media and as precatalysts for the N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed conjugate addition of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes to chalcones. The reaction produces a broad scope of 1,6‐ketoesters incorporating an anti‐diphenyl moiety in high yields and with high stereoselectivity. In recycling experiments, the IL can be reused up to five times with retained reactivity and selectivity. Moreover, the 1,6‐ketoesters form self‐assembled organogels in aliphatic hydrocarbons. The reaction protocol is robust, easily operated, scalable and highly functionalized compounds can be obtained from inexpensive and readily accessible starting materials.     

Imidazolium 2‐Substituted 4,5‐Dicyanoimidazolate Ionic Liquids: Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Structure–Thermal Property Relationships

Thirty six novel ionic liquids (ILs) with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium and 3‐methyl‐1‐octylimidazolium cations paired with 2‐substitited 4,5‐dicyanoimidazolate anions (substituent at C2=chloro, bromo, methoxy, vinyl, amino, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl and phenyl) have been synthesized and characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The effects of cation and anion type and structure on the thermal properties of the resulting ionic liquids, including several room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are examined and discussed. ILs exhibited large liquid and crystallization ranges and formed glasses on cooling with glass transition temperatures in the range of ?22 to ?68 °C. The effects of alkyl substituents of the imidazolate anion reflected the crystallization, melting points and thermal decomposition of the ILs. The Coulombic packing force, van der Waals forces and size of the anions can be considered for altering the thermal transitions. Three crystal structures of the ILs were determined and the effects of changes to the cations and anions on the packing of the structure were investigated.     

Thermomorphic Behavior of the Ionic Liquids [C4mim][FeCl4] and [C12mim][FeCl4]

The iron‐containing ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate(III) [C₄mim][FeCl₄] and 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate(III) [C₁₂mim][FeCl₄] exhibit a thermally induced demixing with water (thermomorphism). The phase separation temperature varies with IL weight fraction in water and can be tuned between 100 °C and room temperature. The reversible lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is only observed at IL weight fractions below ca. 35 % in water. UV/Vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy along with elemental analysis prove that the yellow‐brown liquid phase recovered after phase separation is the starting IL [C₄mim][FeCl₄] and [C₁₂mim][FeCl₄], respectively. Photometry and ICP‐OES show that about 40 % of iron remains in the water phase upon phase separation. Although the process is thus not very efficient at the moment, the current approach is the first example of an LCST behavior of a metal‐containing IL and therefore, although still inefficient, a prototype for catalyst removal or metal extraction.     

α‐Fe2O3 Cubes with High Visible‐Light‐Activated Photoelectrochemical Activity towards Glucose: Hydrothermal Synthesis Assisted by a Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid

A liquid/liquid interfacial reaction system was designed to fabricate α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes. The reaction system uses a hydrophobic ionic liquid containing iron ions ([(C₈H₁₇)₂(CH₃)₂N]FeCl₄) for manufacturing α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes by a novel and environmentally friendly hydrothermal method under low‐temperature conditions (140 °C). The iron‐containing ionic liquid is hydrophobic and can form a liquid/liquid interface with water, which is vital for fabrication of the α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes. Nanomaterials synthesized from hydrophobic iron‐containing ionic liquids show good crystallinity, well‐developed morphology, and uniform size. The effect of different ionic liquids on the morphology of α‐Fe₂O₃ was investigated in detail. [(C₈H₁₇)₂(CH₃)₂N]FeCl₄ is assumed to perform the triple role of forming a liquid/liquid interface with water and acting as reactant and template at the same time. The effect of the reaction temperature on the formation of the α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes was also studied. Temperatures lower or higher than 140 °C are not conducive to formation of the α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes. Their photoelectrochemical properties were tested by means of the transient photocurrent response of electrodes modified with as‐prepared α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes. The photocurrent response of an α‐Fe₂O₃ cubes/indium tin oxide electrode is high and stable, and it shows great promise as a photoelectrochemical glucose sensor with high sensitivity and fast response, which are beneficial to practical applications of nanosensors.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Controlled α‐Fe2O3 Nanostructures in HEPES Solution

A facile, template‐free, and environmentally friendly hydrothermal strategy was explored for the controllable synthesis of α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures in HEPES solution (HEPES=2‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethanesulfonic acid). The effects of experimental parameters including HEPES/FeCl₃ molar ratio, pH value, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the formation of α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures have been investigated systematically. Based on the observations of the products, the function of HEPES in the reaction is discussed. The different α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures possess different optical, magnetic properties, and photocatalytic activities, depending on the shape and size of the sample. In addition, a novel and facile approach was developed for the synthesis of Au/α‐Fe₂O₃ and Ag/α‐Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites in HEPES buffer solution; this verified the dual function of HEPES both as reductant and stabilizer. This work provides a new strategy for the controllable synthesis of transition metal oxide nanostructures and metal‐supported nanocomposites, and gives a strong evidence of the relationship between the property and morphology/size of nanomaterials.     

Ionic Liquids as Unique Solvents in One‐Pot Synthesis of 4‐(N,2,2,2‐Tetranitroethylamino)‐3‐R‐Furazans

An efficient two‐step one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of N‐nitrated trinitroethylamino furazans in an ionic liquid has been developed involving the condensation of aminofurazans with trinitroethanol and the N‐nitration of an intermediate Mannich base. Trinitroethylnitramino derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. A role of the N,2,2,2‐tetranitroethylamino group for stabilization of the high‐density crystal‐packing motif is described. The performance calculations gave detonation pressures and velocities for the furazan derivatives in a range of about 31–36 GPa and 8330–8745 ms^?1, respectively, which makes them competitive energetic materials. Furthermore, due to the positive oxygen balance, the compounds could be potential oxidizers for energetic formulations.     

A Green Synthesis of Nanosheet‐Constructed Pd Particles in an Ionic Liquid and Their Superior Electrocatalytic Performance

The ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]Ac) is investigated as a solvent for the synthesis of Pd particles. Interestingly, nanosheet‐constructed Pd particles could be successfully synthesized in [EMIM]Ac without any additional reducing agent and template under ionothermal conditions. [EMIM]Ac itself works as the solvent, the reducing agent, and the template for the formation of these interesting Pd particles, making this method complementary to the well‐known ionic‐liquid‐precursor approach. Furthermore, [EMIM]Ac can be recycled with no loss of activity for the formation of nanosheet‐constructed Pd particles within our studied cycles. Specifically, the nanosheet‐constructed Pd particles exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity and stability towards ethanol oxidation and formic acid oxidation compared with commercially available Pd black catalyst, thus demonstrating their promising applications in fuel‐cell area. The current approach, thus, presents a green approach towards the synthesis of Pd particles, using only a simple palladium salt and an ionic liquid.     

Synthesis of Cobalt Ion‐Based Coordination Polymer Nanowires and Their Conversion into Porous Co3O4 Nanowires with Good Lithium Storage Properties

Cobalt ion‐based coordination polymer nanowires were synthesized by using nitrilotriacetic acid (NA) as a chelating agent by a one‐step hydrothermal approach. In the synthesis, cobalt ions were bonded with amino or carboxyl groups of NA to form one‐dimension polymer nanowires, which can be confirmed by FTIR and TGA results. Our experimental results show that the morphologies of polymer nanowires greatly depend on the precursor salts, ratios between deionized water and isopropyl alcohol. The probable molecular formula and growth mechanism have been proposed. After heat treatment, the cobalt ion‐based coordination polymer nanowires can be converted into porous Co₃O₄ nanowires, which completely preserved the nanowire‐like morphology. When used as anodes in lithium‐ion batteries, the obtained porous Co₃O₄ nanowires exhibited a high reversible capacity of 810 mA h g^?1 and stable cyclic retention at 30th cycle. The good electrochemical performance could be attributed to the porous nanostructure of Co₃O₄, which provides pathways for easy accessibility of electrolytes and fast transportation of lithium ions.     

Transformation of Atmospheric CO2 Catalyzed by Protic Ionic Liquids: Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Oxazolidinones

Protic ionic liquids (PILs), such as 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]‐7‐undecenium 2‐methylimidazolide [DBUH][MIm], can catalyze the reaction of atmospheric CO₂ with a broad range of propargylic amines to form the corresponding 2‐oxazolidinones. The products are formed in high yields under mild, metal‐free conditions. The cheaper and greener PILs can be easily recycled and reused at least five times without a decrease in the catalytic activity and selectivity. A reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of a detailed DFT study which indicates that both the cation and anion of the PIL play key synergistic roles in accelerating the reaction.     

Preparation and Application of Perchloric Acid Supported on Alumina (Al2O3-HClO4) to the Synthesis of α-(α-Amidobenzyl)-β-naphthols

Preparation of perchloric acid supported on alumina and its primary application as a solid supported heterogeneous catalyst to the synthesis of α-(α-amidobenzyl)-β-naphthols by a one-pot, three-component condensation of benzaldehydes, β-naphthol and acetamide or benzamide under thermal solvent-free conditions were described. The present methodology offers several advantages such as simple procedure, shorter reaction time, and excellent yields.     

Phase Transition Originating from Order–Disorder Transformations of Carboxy Oxygen Atoms Coupled with Dynamic Proton Motions in [PhCH2NH(CH3)2]2C2O4⋅H2C2O4

A new molecular phase transition material, [PhCH₂NH(CH₃)₂]₂C₂O₄?H₂C₂O₄, which undergoes a reversible phase transition at 151.6 K, has been successfully synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), specific heat capacity, and dielectric measurements confirm its reversible phase transition with a large thermal hysteresis of 15.1 K, demonstrating that the phase transition is typical first order. Variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that the order–disorder transformations of carboxy oxygen atoms induce the structural phase transition. A slight reorientation of the oxalic acid unit is discovered to accompany the ordering of carboxy oxygen atoms at low temperature. The DSC measurement result of the deuterated analog is different to that of 1 , indicating that proton dynamic motions in hydrogen bonds also contribute to the phase transition.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Physico‐optical Properties of Manganate(II)‐Based Ionic Liquids

Several ionic liquids (ILs) based on complex manganate(II) anions with chloro, bromo, and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amido (Tf₂N) ligands have been synthesized. As counterions, n‐alkyl‐methylimidazolium (C_nmim) cations of different chain length (alkyl=ethyl (C₂), propyl (C₃), butyl (C₄), hexyl (C₆)) were chosen. Except for the 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ILs, all of the prepared compounds could be obtained in a crystalline state at room temperature. However, each of the compounds displayed a strong tendency to form a supercooled liquid. Generally, solidification via a glass transition took place below ?40 °C. Consequently, all of these compounds can be regarded as ionic liquids. Depending on the local coordination environment of Mn²⁺, green (tetrahedrally coordinated Mn²⁺) or red (octahedrally coordinated Mn²⁺) luminescence emission from the ⁴T(G) level is observed. 1 The local coordination of the luminescent Mn²⁺ centre has been unequivocally established by UV/Vis as well as Raman and IR vibrational spectroscopies. Emission decay times measured at room temperature in the solid state (crystalline or powder) were generally a few ms, although, depending on the ligand, values of up to 25 ms were obtained. For the bromo compounds, the luminescence decay times proved to be almost independent of the physical state and the temperature. However, for the chloro‐ and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amido ILs, the emission decay times were found to be dependent on the temperature even in the solid state, indicating that the measured values are strongly influenced by nuclear motion and the vibration of the atoms. In the liquid state, the luminescence of tetrahedrally coordinated Mn²⁺ could only be observed when the tetrachloromanganate ILs were diluted with the respective halide ILs. However, for [C₃mim][Mn(Tf₂N)₃], in which Mn²⁺ is in an octahedral coordination environment, a weak red emission from the pure compound was found even in the liquid state at elevated temperatures.     

Nitrite Ionic Liquids (IL‐ONO and [bmim]NO2) as Effective Nitrosonium Sources for the Synthesis of α‐Oximinoketones under Mild Heterogeneous Conditions

Ketones and β‐diketones were nitrosated and converted to their corresponding α‐oximinoketones using task‐specific ionic liquids, 1‐(4‐nitritobutyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, IL‐ONO, and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium nitrite at room temperature. The results from two ionic liquids are comparable and showed that these IL's are effective nitrosonium sources for the preparation of oximinoketones. The protocol is rapid, the yields are excellent, and the method is simple.     

Synthesizing 2D and 3D Selenidostannates in Ionic Liquids: The Synergistic Structure‐Directing Effects of Ionic Liquids and Metal–Amine Complexes

Presented are the ionothermal syntheses, characterizations, and properties of a series of two‐ and three‐dimensional selenidostannate compounds synergistically directed by metal–amine complex (MAC) cations and ionic liquids (ILs) of [Bmmim]Cl (Bmmim=1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium). Four selenidostannates, namely, 2D‐(Bmmim)₃[Ni(en)₃]₂[Sn₉Se₂₁]Cl ( 1 , en=ethylenediamine), 2D‐(Bmmim)₈[Ni₂(teta)₂(μ‐teta)]Sn₁₈Se₄₂ ( 2 , teta=triethylenetetramine), 2D‐(Bmmim)₄[Ni(tepa)Cl]₂[Ni(tepa)Sn₁₂Se₂₈] ( 3 , tepa=tetraethylenepentamine), and 3D‐(Bmmim)₂[Ni(1,2‐pda)₃]Sn₈Se₁₈ ( 4 , 1,2‐pda=1,2‐diaminopropane), were obtained. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that compounds 1 and 2 possess a lamellar anionic [Sn₃Se₇]_n^2n? structure comprising distinct eight‐membered ring units, whereas 3 features a MAC‐decorated anionic [Ni(tepa)Sn₁₂Se₂₈]_n^6n? layered structure. In contrast to 1 – 3 , compound 4 exhibits a 3D open framework of anionic [Sn₄Se₉]_n^2n?. The structural variation from 1 to 4 clearly indicates that on the basis of the synergistic structure‐directing ability of the MACs and ILs, variation of the organic polyamine ligand has a significant impact on the formation of selenidostannates.     

Theoretical Explanation for How SO3H‐Functionalized Ionic Liquids Promote the Conversion of Cellulose to Glucose

While the catalytic transformation of cellulose to glucose by functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) has been achieved successfully under mild conditions, insight into the fundamental molecular mechanism is still lacking. The present work presents the first attempt to address the fundamental reaction chemistry of the catalytic transformation. An enzyme‐like catalytic mechanism of ILs, in which glycosidic bond hydrolysis proceeds through a retaining mechanism and/or an inverting mechanism, is proposed. DFT calculations show that both mechanisms involve moderate barriers (<30 kcal mol^?1), which is consistent with the catalytic performance of the ILs under mild conditions (<100 °C). The “biomimetic” mechanism model proposed herein is expected to be viable for understanding the unique catalytic activity of ILs under mild conditions.