Basic Ionic Liquid as Catalysis and Reaction Medium: A Novel and Green Protocol for the Markovnikov Addition of <i>N</i>-Heterocycles to Vinyl Esters, Using a Task-Specific Ionic Liquid, [bmIm]OH

Abstract

A basic ionic liquid, 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium hydroxide ([bmIm]OH), has been introduced as a catalyst and reaction medium for the Markovnikov addition of N-heterocycles to vinyl esters under mild conditions. The evidence for the role of this basic ionic liquid [bmIm]OH in promoting the Markovnikov addition has been given. On the basis of the evidence, a mechanism was postulated.