Acetic acid functionalized ionic liquid systems: An efficient and recyclable catalyst for the regioselective ring opening of epoxides with NaN3

In the present study, an environmentally benign, efficient, and solvent-free procedure was developed for the synthesis of 1,2-azidoalcohols by the regioselective ring opening of some epoxides with sodium azide (NaN3) in the presence of an acetic acid functionalized imidazolium salt [Cmmim]BF4 or [Cmmim]Br as a green and Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (BAIL) catalyst under mild and neutral reaction conditions at 60 °C. The remarkable features of this procedure are excellent regioselectivity, simple work-up procedure, high yields of products, short reaction times, and ease of recyclability of ionic liquids.

Graphical abstractA novel acetic acid functionalized imidazolium salt [Cmmim]BF4 or [Cmmim]Br as an efficient and reusable Brønsted ionic liquid catalyst was synthesized. This ionic liquid has been found to have high catalytic activity in the synthesis of 1,2-azidoalcohols by regioselective ring opening of some epoxides with sodium azide (NaN3).Download high-res image (185KB)Download full-size image