Structure Effect of Imidazolium-Based Dicationic Ionic Liquids on Claisen Rearrangement

A large group of imidazolium-based dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) has been prepared in good yields. Thermal stability of all DILs has been determined. The effects of the reaction time, cation, imidazolium C₂–H acidity, and anion on the Claisen rearrangement of allyl phenyl ether have been investigated. Type of anion and the presence of the acidic C₂–H bond in the imidazolium moieties have proven to be essential for this reaction. The simple procedure and the possibility of avoiding the use catalysts and volatile organic solvents make this synthetic method environmentally benign and adaptable for large-scale applications.