Activation of bismuth(III) derivatives in ionic liquids: Novel and recyclable catalytic systems for Friedel-Crafts acylation of aromatic compounds

The activity of four bismuth(III) derivatives when employed as Friedel-Crafts catalysts for the acylation of aromatics was found to increase dramatically when dissolved In Ionic liquids. Solutions of bismuth oxide or triflate in [emim][NTf2] and [bmim][NTf2] are the most efficient catalytic systems, with catalyst loading as low as 1% leading to clean, high-yielding acylation of a variety of benzene derivatives. These improved Friedel-Crafts catalytic systems can also be efficiently recycled as opposed to traditional systems.