Catalytic reactions using superacids in new types of ionic liquids

Abstract

We will describe the use of superacids, in particular 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonic acid (TFESA) and 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanesulfonic acid (HFPSA) in the presence of ionic liquids for improved chemical processing for a range of industrially important chemical reactions. In a number of cases the reaction mixture starts as a single phase, allowing for high reactivity, then separates into two phases upon completion of the reaction. This allows for ease of product separation P. T. Anastas and T. C. Williamson, Green Chemistry: Frontiers in Benign Chemical Syntheses and Processes, Oxford University Press, 1998.1