A novel and green synthesis of kojic acid derivatives in ionic liquid [bmim]BF4

A series of 3-(3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl)-3-phenylpropanamide derivatives were synthesized efficiently by one-pot condensation of aromatic aldehydes, meldrum’s acid, allomaltol, and ammonium acetate in ionic liquid [bmim]BF4. The novel synthesis method offers the advantage of operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, higher yields, and environmental friendliness.