Protic pyridinium ionic liquids: Synthesis, acidity determination and their performances for acid catalysis

Three new protic ionic liquids based on 2-methylpyridinium were prepared and characterized. Their catalytic activities for the tert-butylation of phenol and the esterification of cyclic olefins with acetic acid were examined and satisfactory results were obtained over 2-methylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([2-MPyH]OTf). Hammett method was used to determine the acidity order of these ionic liquids and the results are consistent with the catalytic activities observed in the acid-catalyzed probe reactions.

Three new protic ionic liquids based on 2-methylpyridinium were prepared and characterized. Their catalytic activities for the tert-butylation of phenol and the esterification of cyclic olefins with acetic acid were examined and satisfactory results were obtained over 2-methylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([2-MPyH]OTf). Hammett method was used to determine the acidity order of these ionic liquids and the results are consistent with the catalytic activities observed in the acid-catalyzed probe reactions. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide