The relationship of basicity and hydrogen bond with catalytic performance was investigated in synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) catalyzed by various ILs ([Emim][OAC], [Bmim][OAC], [N2222][OAC], [EtOHN111][OAC], [N4444]Br, [Bmim][N(CN)2], [Bmim]Br, [Bmim][PF6]). The basicity and Kamlet-Taft parameters of each catalyst were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy. It was found the catalytic performance is the synergistic effect of basicity and hydrogen bond donating ability in the synthesis of PGME from PO and CH3OH, which is quite different from the conventional basic catalytic mechanism.
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