An experimental and theoretical study on the preparation of 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(N,N‐dimethylaniline) in ionic liquid

The reaction of N,N‐dimethylaniline with tetrachloromethane in ionic liquid was found to give 4,4′‐methylene‐bis (N,N‐dimethylaniline) in considerable yield. The ionic liquid was prepared from N,N‐dimethylaniline which is also the one of raw materials for the preparation of 4,4′‐methylene‐bis (N,N‐dimethylaniline), and acts as both solvent and catalyst in the reaction. Mild reaction conditions, enhanced rates, improved yields, and reagents' reactivity which is different from that in conventional organic solvents are the remarkable features observed in ionic liquids. In addition, the results of calculations are in good accordance with the experimental outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.