Synthesis of novel chiral imidazolium-based ionic liquids derived from isosorbide and their applications in asymmetric aza Diels-Alder reaction

A novel family of chiral imidazolium-based ionic liquids containing a chiral moiety and a free hydroxyl function has been designed and synthesized using isosorbide as a biorenewable substrate. These chiral ionic liquids were found to catalyze the aza Diels-Alder reaction to give good yields and moderate diastereoselectivities. Chiral ionic liquids are recycled while their efficiency is preserved.