A new type IV DES: a competent green catalyst and solvent for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated diketones and dicyano compounds by Knoevenagel condensation reaction

Abstract

DESs are new and greener alternatives to ionic liquids formed by mixing components that are capable of forming hydrogen bonds between them. The strong hydrogen bond interactions between the constituents make a large depression in the melting points compared to pure constituents. They are emerging as green solvents and have loomed as adorable alternatives to conventional organic solvents and ionic liquids with unique properties. In the present article, four new CeCl₃·7H₂O-based DESs were developed and their physical properties were studied. Their activities were checked in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of dimedone/malononitrile with various aldehydes. The recyclability of the catalyst/solvent was achieved up to five runs without much change in the activity.