An atom-efficient and practical synthesis of new pyridinium ionic liquids and application in Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction

New ionic liquids containing (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-functionalized pyridinium cations have been synthesized by the ultrasound-assisted, atom-efficient, room temperature reaction of pyridine with acid and 3-chloro-propylene oxide, the acid providing the anionic component of the resultant ionic liquids, and under the ultrasound, a clear yield increase results and a dramatic reduction of the reaction time accompanied by an improved quality of the products occurs. Furthermore, the application of new ionic liquids were tested as solvents in Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction, in some cases, good results were obtained.