The alcoholysis of acetonitrile prompted by Brønsted acidic ionic liquid [HSO3-pmim]HSO4

Brønsted acidic ionic liquids based on imidazolium cation were employed as a series of environmentally benign catalysts and mediums in the alcoholysis of acetonitrile to synthesize ester. The results showed that Brønsted acidic ionic liquid [HSO3-pmim]HSO4 was an efficient catalyst and medium for the alcoholysis of acetonitrile which could be recycled easily without obvious decline in catalytic activity, the highest yield could reach 85%.