Friedel–Crafts acylation using bismuth triflate in [BMI][PF6]

Bismuth trifluoromethanesulfonate was found to be a good catalyst for the Friedel–Crafts acylation. Bismuth triflate immobilized in an ionic liquid was the most efficient catalytic system. Bismuth triflate in [BMI][PF6] catalyzes this reaction under microwave irradiation allowing the rapid synthesis of aryl ketones in excellent yields. The catalyst system was easily recovered and reused several times.