The effect of ionic liquids on the outcome of nitrile oxide cycloadditions

Nitrile oxide cycloadditions between benzonitrile oxide and a series of alkenes were investigated in ionic liquids and molecular solvents. The regioselectivity of the process alters on changing solvent type, with the steric requirements of the reaction being increased in ionic liquids. The rate of the cycloaddition process was found to be faster in ionic liquid solvents, and a concomitant increase in the rate of dimerisation of the nitrile oxide starting material was also observed.