Friedel-Crafts acylation using bismuth triflate in [BMI][PF6]

Bismuth trifluoromethanesulfonate was found to be a good catalyst for the Friedel-Crafts acylation. Bismuth triflate immobilized in an ionic liquid was the most efficient catalytic system. Bismuth triflate in [BMI][PF6] catalyzes this reaction under microwave irradiation allowing the rapid synthesis of aryl ketones in excellent yields. The catalyst system was easily recovered and reused several times. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.