Amide Ionic Liquids (AILs)/L-Proline Synergistic Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reactions*

Amide ionic liquids (AILs)/L-proline synergistic catalyzed Mannich reactions of isovaleraldehyde, methyl ketones, and aromatic amines were earned out in moderate to high yields (up to 96%) and high stereo selectivities (>99% e.e.). The products were easily isolated by extraction; and the catalyst system was readily recycled at least thrice without significant loss of efficiency. The scope of the substrates was studied and the interpretation of the manifest improvement of the reaction rates and enantio-selectivity of the novel catalyst system was speculated.