Knoevenagel condensation catalyzed by novel Nmm-based ionic liquids in water

A series of novel N-methyl morpholine (Nmm) based ionic liquids with 1,2-propanediol group were synthesized and used as catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation at room temperature in water. Under the effect of the catalyst, various aldehydes or aliphatic ketones could react with a wide range of activated methylene compounds well, including malononitrile, alkyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide, β-diketone, barbituric acid, 2-arylacetonitrile and thiazolidinedione. Furthermore, most of the products could be separated just by filtrating and washing with water. Additionally, the catalyst is recyclable and applicable for the large-scale synthesis.