An improved procedure for the three-component synthesis of highly substituted pyridines using ionic liquid

A basic ionic liquid, [bmIm]OH, efficiently promotes a one-pot, three-component condensation of aldehydes, malononitrile, and thiophenols to produce highly substituted pyridines in high yields at room temperature. This reaction does not involve any hazardous organic solvent and toxic catalyst. The ionic liquid is recovered and recycled for subsequent reactions.