Nanosilica Supported Dual Acidic Ionic Liquid as a Recyclable Catalyst for the Rapid and Green Synthesis of Polycyclic Phenolic Compounds

Abstract

Generally ionic liquids have gained increasing attention in organic synthesis as catalyst and solvent. However, there are some drawbacks, including the difficulties in the product purification, ionic liquid recycling, and use of excess amounts of the expensive ionic liquid when the ionic liquid is used in the organic reactions. In addition, the high viscosity of ionic liquids can lead to mass transfer limitations in fast chemical reactions. These problems can be overcome by the use of supported ionic liquid phases. In this article, a simple, efficient and green method has been developed for the synthesis of bisphenolic antioxidants by the reaction of 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and aldehydes in the presence of nanosilica supported dual acidic ionic liquid (NSSDAIL) as robust and reusable catalyst under solvent-free conditions. Three different NSSDAILs were synthesized and characterized using SEM, BET, IR, and XRD techniques. High yields of the products, short reaction times, use of a non corrosive, non toxic and reusable catalyst, and use of solvent-free condition are the worthwhile advantages of the current method.