Ionic liquids as reaction media for esterification of carboxylate sodium salts with alkyl halides

Ionic liquids based on 1,3-dialkylimidazolinium methanesulfonate have been used as effective reusable reaction media in the esterification of several carboxylate sodium salts with different alkyl halides. Products are easily isolated by extraction with ether, and the protocol is mild and green, compared to the existing methods based on toxic solvents. Proper ‘design’ of the ionic liquid allows us to obtain esters always in quantitative yields.