Synthesis of racemic mandelic acids with the composite phase transfer catalyst β-cyclodextrin-[bmim]PF6

Abstract

Ionic liquids were employed as a part of composite phase transfer catalyst to synthesise mandelic acid, and it is found that [bmim]PF6 coupled with β-cyclodextrin is the most effective catalyst, which was also applicable to other reactions used to synthesise mandelic acid derivatives. Reaction conditions were optimized and the products were characterised by 1H NMR and IR.