Knoevenagel condensation catalyzed by 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidium lactate

Knoevenagel condensation between malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate and carbonyl compounds could be effectively promoted by 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidium lactate, a basic ionic liquid, under mild conditions. Good to high isolated yields could be obtained. The ionic liquid can enhance the reaction rates significantly even though it was used in catalytic amount. The ionic liquid could be prepared simply and reused efficiently.