Novel Basic Ionic Liquid Based on Alkylammonium as Efficient Catalyst for Knoevenagel Reaction

The typical Knoevenagel condensation was carried out smoothly in the presence of a basic ionic liquid of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N′-hexyl-ethylenediammonium tetrafluoroborate ([TMHEDA]BF4), and 99% of yield was obtained using ethyl cyanoacetate and benzaldehyde as substrates at 60 °C for 1 h. Four reuses of the ionic liquid without dramatic decrease in catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation demonstrated the good stability and operability of the ionic liquid. Moreover, the typical nucleophilic addition reactions were also accomplished by the same ionic liquid to check its feasibility. The dual function of the basic ionic liquid both as solvent and catalyst, combined with simple product separation and recycling, is expected to contribute to the development of a green and environmentally friendly strategy.