1-Methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Hmim][BF4]: an efficient acidic ionic liquid catalyst for insertion of α-diazo compounds into the N–H bonds of amines

The reusable acidic ionic liquid, 1-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Hmim][BF4], was found to be an effective catalyst for the insertion of α-diazoacetate into the N–H bonds of amines. The corresponding products were obtained in good yields and short reaction times via a simple procedure. The catalyst could be recycled and reused without any noticeable decrease in its activity.