Preparation of imidazolium ionic liquids and their catalytic activity in the synthesis of β-enaminones

a series of imidazolium ionic liquids([Hmim]+)with different anions were prepared and the catalytic performance of these catalysts for the synthesis of β-enaminones were investigated.The results showed that these +-type ionic liquids exhibited excellent activity.[Hmim]BF4 had the best catalytic performance and had a yield of 96% after 10 min.[Hmim]BF4 as a catalyst has been used for the synthesis of different β-enaminones and most of the reactions can proceed smoothly.[Hmim]BF4 was reused five times without considerable loss of activity and had a yield of 89% after 10 min reaction.