An investigation of the catalytic potential of potassium cyanide and imidazolium salts for ultrasound-assisted synthesis of benzoin derivatives

A rapid, highly efficient and mild green synthesis of benzoin was performed using substituted benzaldehyde catalyzed by KCN and imidazolium salts in EtOH/H2O under ultrasonic activation. The products were obtained in good yields within short reaction times with N,N′-dialkylimidazolium salts, which were found to be more effective pre-catalysts at room temperature for benzoin condensation in comparison to corresponding cyanide ion in heating method. This simple method affords benzoin derivatives at room temperature in short reaction times with high yield and purity.