The Influence of the Acidity of Ionic Liquids on Catalysis

Abstract

Reactions performed in ionic liquids with BF4− as anion progress under strongly acidic conditions. The acidity of some air- and moisture-stable ionic liquids is explored and its effect on catalytic reactions is studied. The function of these ionic liquids in some traditional acid-catalyzed reactions is also tested, and the results merit a reconsideration of their influence on catalytic reactions and use in other applications.