Synthesis and application of task-specific ionic liquids used as catalysts and/or solvents in organic unit reactions

► The recent advances of the task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) were summarized from their synthesis and application. ► TSILs mainly included acidic TSILs, basic TSILs, chiral TSILs, TSILs with metallic elements and guanidinium TSILs. ► The economical TSILs were brought forward.