Imidazolium salts as phase transfer catalysts for the dialkylation and cycloalkylation of active methylene compounds

The dialkylation and cycloalkylation reactions of active methylene compounds in the presence of readily available imidazolium salts (ionic liquids) as phase transfer catalysts were performed to afford the respective dialkylated or cycloalkylated products. This method is very efficient for the synthesis of 1,1-disubstituted derivatives and cyclopropane and cyclopentane ring systems in a facile manner.