A newfound ionic liquid with unprecedented activity for multiple base-catalyzed reactions

In catalytic chemistry, exploiting catalysts with superior activity and practicability is the ultimate goal. Herein, we found a brand-new organocatalyst 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium pyrrole ([EmIm]Py). Using in carbonate synthesis, this catalyst realized a record-breaking efficiency of 20.7 gDMC (molCat min)-1 even at 0 degrees C. Notably, this catalyst did better in varied base-catalyzed reactions than most reported catalysts. [EmIm]Py also exhibited potential operability in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) industrial production. The mechanism of propylene carbonate (PC) and methanol interesterification over [EmIm]Py catalyst was proposed by a combination of experimental and theoretical studies.

Automated summary

This study discovered a novel organic catalyst 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium pyrrole ([EmIm]Py) that exhibited superior activity and practicality in carbonate synthesis, achieving remarkable efficiency even at low temperature. The catalyst outperformed most reported catalysts in various base-catalyzed reactions and showed potential operability in industrial production of dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The mechanism of propylene carbonate (PC) and methanol interesterification over [EmIm]Py catalyst was proposed through a combination of experimental and theoretical studies.