Catalysis by an ionic liquid: efficient conjugate addition of thiols to electron deficient alkenes catalyzed by molten tetrabutylammonium bromide under solvent-free conditions

An inexpensive and readily available ionic liquid, tetrabutylammonium bromide in the molten state, efficiently catalyzes the conjugate addition of thiols to alpha,beta-unsaturated nitriles, carboxylic ester, ketones and aldehydes as well as nitro olefins. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All fights reserved.