Carbon-supported iron–ionic liquid: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with alcohols

Abstract

The effect of the addition of ILs with non-coordinating anions on the iron-catalyzed benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with alcohols under solvent free conditions has been evaluated. Among them, the presence of those containing the bistriflimide anion was found to be crucial for selectivity towards the benzylated product in a homogenous reaction. Therefore, the catalytic activity of Fe(OTf)₃–N₄₁₁₁NTf₂ combination supported on carbon materials with different textural and chemical surface properties has been studied. In the heterogeneous phase, reaction selectivity was also enhanced by the addition of the IL. However, substantial differences between the activities of different Fe-IL/carbon material catalytic systems were observed, indicating the influence of carbon support properties. With regards to selectivity, the best results were obtained using carbon supports with low microporosity. Moreover, the presence of oxygen functional groups on the carbon surface improved catalyst recycling.