Ethanolysis of selected carbohydrates catalyzed by functionalized acidic ionic liquids: An unexpected effect of structural functionalization on selectivity phenomena

A series of functionalized hydrogen sulfate imidazolium ILs were synthesized and applied as catalysts in the reaction of glucose, xylose and fructose with ethanol. In research, the unexpected selectivity phenomena...

The Structure of the Electric Double Layer of the Protic Ionic Liquid [Dema][TfO] Analyzed by Atomic Force Spectroscopy

Protic ionic liquids are promising electrolytes for fuel cell applications. They would allow for an increase in operation temperatures to more than 100 °C, facilitating water and heat management and, thus, increasing overall efficiency. As ionic liquids consist of bulky charged molecules, the structure of the electric double layer significantly differs from that of aqueous electrolytes. In order to elucidate the nanoscale structure of the electrolyte–electrode interface, we employ atomic force spectroscopy, in conjunction with theoretical modeling using molecular dynamics. Investigations of the low-acidic protic ionic liquid diethylmethylammonium triflate, in contact with a platinum (100) single crystal, reveal a layered structure consisting of alternating anion and cation layers at the interface, as already described for aprotic ionic liquids. The structured double layer depends on the applied electrode potential and extends several nanometers into the liquid, whereby the stiffness decreases with increasing distance from the interface. The presence of water distorts the layering, which, in turn, significantly changes the system’s electrochemical performance. Our results indicate that for low-acidic ionic liquids, a careful adjustment of the water content is needed in order to enhance the proton transport to and from the catalytic electrode.

Synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydro-xanthene and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives promoted by two bis-imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Aim and objective: In this work, we have prepared two bis-dicationic ionic liquids with the same cationic core (Bis-imidazole) and different counter-anions using sulfuric acid and perchloric acids. After that, the efficiency and ability of these compounds as catalysts were investigated and compared in the promotion of Knoevenagel condensation and synthesis of benzo[b]pyran derivatives to see the effect of the anionic counter-part in the reaction. Material and method: In a 25 mL round-bottomed flask, a mixture of aldehyde (1.0 mmol), 1,3-cyclodicarbonyl (2.0 mmol) and the desired amount of the mentioned acidic ionic liquids was heated at 90°C in the absence of solvent (Reaction A) or In a 25 mL round-bottomed flask, a mixture of aldehyde (1.0 mmol), 1,3-cyclodicarbonyl (1.0 mmol), malononitrile, (1.1 mmol) and optimized amounts of the ionic liquid in water (3.0 mL) was heated at 80°C (Reaction B) for the appropriated time. After the completion of the reactions which were monitored by TLC (n-hexane: EtOAc; 3:1), 10 mL of water was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 minutes. Then, the products were separated by filtration and were washed several times with water. After drying, the pure products were obtained while there was no need to further. Results: Comparison of the obtained results from both of the ionic liquids revealed that [H2-Bisim][HSO4]2 because of its more acidic structure had a more catalytic activity for the preparation of 1,8-dioxo-octahydro-xanthene derivatives but [H2-Bisim][ClO4]2 was relatively more efficient for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives since the stronger acidic nature of [H2-Bisim][HSO4]2 may prevent the simple activation of malononitrile in the reaction media. Conclusion: In this study, we have introduced efficient methods for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydro-xanthene and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of catalytic amounts of [H2-Bisim][ClO4]2 and [H2-Bisim][HSO4]2 These methods have several advantages such as ease of preparation and handling of the catalysts, high reaction rates, excellent yields, eco-friendly procedures and simple work-up.

Mild and Efficient Tunable Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid Catalyzed O-Acetylation and O-Trimethylsilylation with Trimethylsilyl Acetate (TMSOAc) and Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS)

This report discloses a mild and efficient O-acetylation using easily accessible TMSOAc as a novel acetyl reagent and O-trimethylsilylation using HMDS for various alcohols catalyzed by tunable Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (TBAILs). Imidazolium-based TBAILs were prepared by a two-step atom-economic reaction and acidities measured by using UV-visible spectroscopy. Both protections for alcohols were accomplished at room temperature with good to excellent yields, while the products and TBAILs were separated by simple work-up for O-silylation and column chromatography for O-acetylation. Notably, with the simple post-process, TBAILs catalyst in this solvent free method easily recovered and recycled several times without significant degradation.