Continuous microflow synthesis of butyl cinnamate by a Mizoroki-Heck reaction using a low-viscosity ionic liquid as the recycling reaction medium

A continuous microflow system was developed with efficient catalyst recycling for a Mizoroki-Heck reaction of iodobenzene with butyl acrylate, using a low-viscosity ionic liquid ([bmim]-NTf2) as the reaction medium. Using a CPC CYTOS Lab System as the microreaction apparatus, in combination with an originally developed microextraction/catalyst recycling system, the reaction medium, which contained Pd catalyst could be continuously recycled to provide a total of 115.3 g (80%, 10 g/h) of the desired product.