Green and mild protocol for hetero-Michael addition of sulfur and nitrogen nucleophiles in ionic liquid

2-Hydroxyethylammonium formate was used as cost-effective ionic liquid to develop a mild and environmentally friendly hetero-Michael reaction. The ionic liquid works both as reaction medium as well as catalyst and can be recycled efficiently without significant loss in activity. The reaction is applicable to various aromatic sulfur nucleophiles, secondary nitrogen nucleophiles and different activated olefins.

Graphical abstractComparatively novel and cost-effective ethanolamine based ionic liquid was utilized as alternative reaction medium as well as catalyst for synthetically important hetero-Michael reaction. The ionic liquid was compatible with various aromatic sulfur nucleophiles, secondary nitrogen nucleophiles and activated olefins. Rate of reaction was increased significantly and the results obtained are comparable or better to the reported methods.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide