Ionic liquids accelerate access to N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides

The synthesis of N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides is accelerated in the presence of the room temperature ionic liquid [BMIM][NO3]. Reaction times are reduced from 18 h in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (PhCH3, EtOH and THF) to 20 min in the ionic liquid [BMIM][NO3]. The reaction yields are typically increased to >85% and the products are isolated by ethanol-mediated precipitation direct from the ionic liquid, requiring no further purification.