Ionic liquids as efficient phase-transfer catalysts for the solid base-promoted monoalkylation of diethyl malonate

Ionic liquids (ILs) based on 1,3-dialkylimidazolium and tetraalkylammonium cations were employed as a series of efficient, environmentally benign phase-transfer catalysts (PTCs) for the base-promoted monoalkylation of diethyl malonate. The influence of various heterogeneous bases on yields was studied. Good yields and high selectivity were obtained. Solvent-free, mild reaction condition, short reaction time, and easy purification were the merits of this method. The catalytic system (IL-base) could also be recycled after the extraction of products with ether.