Efficient ZnCl2 assisted synthesis of calix[4]pyrroles catalysed by Brّnsted acidic ionic liquids

A facile and efficient protocol is reported for the synthesis of calix[4]pyrroles and N-confused calix[4]pyrroles in moderate to excellent yields by one-pot condensation of ketones and pyrrole in the presence of catalytic amount of nontoxic acidic ionic liquids. In this reaction the products were obtained in short reaction time with selectivity of regular calix[4]pyrroles.