Aza-Michael Addition of Imidazoles to α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Synthesis of β-Amino Alcohols via Nucleophilic Ring Opening of Epoxides Using Copper(II) Acetylacetonate (Cu(acac)2) Immobilized in Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Efficient synthesis of N-substituted imidazoles via the conjugate addition of imidazoles (aza-Michael addition) to α,β-unsaturated compounds using Cu(acac)2 immobilized in ionic liquids under ambient conditions has been reported. Similarly, β-amino alcohols are also synthesized via nucleophilic ring opening of epoxides with amines. The use of ionic liquids allows easy separation of the product and recycling of the catalyst in both reactions.