Neutral Ionic Liquid [hmim]Br as a Green Reagent and Solvent for the Mild and Efficient Dehydration of Benzyl Alcohols into (<i>E</i>)‐Arylalkenes Under Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

Abstract A mild and efficient, ionic‐liquid‐assisted, green protocol for the dehydration of benzyl alcohols into the corresponding ( E )‐arylalkenes under microwave irradiation has been developed. The method utilizes a neutral and recyclable ionic liquid (1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide) as a reagent and solvent to cleanly provide a wide range of olefins without the need of harsh and expensive Brønsted/Lewis acids. The method was extended to the efficient conversion of acetylated/benzoylated derivatives of benzyl alcohol into their corresponding ( E )‐arylalkenes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)