Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of One‐pot Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromenes Catalyzed by Basic‐functionalized Ionic Liquids

An efficient and environmentally benign procedure for the reactions of three components condensation of salicylaldehyde and two different CH acids to give 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes catalyzed by a series of basic‐functionalized ionic liquids was reported. The most possible reaction pathway was proposed for the first time by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both cation and anion of [Bmim]OH have a cooperative effect on the reaction. [Bmim]⁺ increases the electrophilicity of salicylaldehyde via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, while OH^? deprives proton of two CH acids to strengthen their nucleophilic ability.