A rapid way to synthesize Brønsted acidic ionic liquid and its application as an efficient catalyst for esterification

Abstract

A novel and time-saving method to prepare a Brønsted acidic ionic liquid, 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([CMI][HSO4]), in high yield and purity was performed under microwave irradiation. The ionic liquid showed an incomparable catalytic efficiency in the microwave-accelerated esterification of arenecarboxylic acids. Moreover, its ability of being recovered and reused many times without loss of activity has made [CMI][HSO4] more favorable from the viewpoint of green chemistry. © 2014 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.