Protophilic amide ionic liquid assisted esterification and catalysis mechanism

Esterification of alcohols by acetic acid has been carried out at room temperature in a group of Brønsted acidic ionic liquids derived from protophilic amides. Good conversion ratio and excellent reaction rate are obtained, and the liquid esters formed a separate phase that is decanted without containing ionic liquid in it. The possible reason of faster and more efficient esterification is: by stabilizing the protonated acetic acid and limiting the alcohol protonation, protophilic amide ionic liquid (PAIL) accelerates the reaction.

Graphical abstractBrønsted acidic ionic liquids derived from protophilic amides can be used to catalyze esterification of alcohols by acetic acids under room temperature with Good conversion ratio and excellent reaction rate. An assumption about the possible mechanism is carried out by NMR.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide