Synthesis and applications of highly efficient, reusable, sulfonic acid group functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts

Abstract

A variety of sulfonic acid group functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) catalysts were synthesized. Catalytic activities of BAILs were assessed using condensation and esterification reactions. Catalytic activities of BAILs were high when compared with H-ZSM-5, H-BETA, sulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 catalyst. The Hammett acidity order determined from UV–visible spectroscopy of BAILs is consistent with their activity order observed in acid-catalyzed reactions. Recycling experiments suggests that these novel BAILs can be reused without significant loss in catalytic activity. Novel BAILs offers several attractive features such as low cost, high catalytic activity and recyclability.