Ionic liquids as a recyclable reaction medium for the Baylis–Hillman reaction

The Baylis–Hillman reaction using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) has been shown to be 33.6 times faster in the recyclable ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) than in acetonitrile. Low yields (14–20%) of adducts are obtained from aliphatic aldehydes and moderate to high yields (39–72%) from aromatic aldehydes. Recycling and reuse of the reaction medium was demonstrated.