Abstract
Heterocycles have gained recognition as vital components in approved drugs, drawing
substantial attention from the scientific community. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been
utilized for their transformative roles in heterocycle synthesis, showcasing distinctive
properties that are pivotal in diverse chemical transformations, while also acting
as effective catalysts and offering safer alternatives to volatile organic solvents.
This account delves into the synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic
structures, employing various ILs such as ammonium, cholinium, DABCO-based, DBU-based,
guanidinium-based, imidazolium, phosphonium, pyridinium, and other miscellaneous examples.
They have proven indispensable in facilitating reactions like the Fischer indole synthesis,
the Biginelli reaction, Knoevenagel condensations and many more. Notably, the recyclability
of ILs serves as a valuable asset, aiding in the completion of intricate synthetic
pathways, multicomponent reactions, and one-pot syntheses, ultimately enhancing yields.
This account, covering the literature published in 2022, seeks to guide researchers
in selecting suitable ILs for specific chemical reactions that enable the synthesis
of aza- and/or oxa-heterocycles. The described advancements represent promising prospects
for drug development and other applications within the domain of heterocyclic chemistry.
1 Introduction
2 Construction of Heterocycles Catalyzed by Ionic Liquids
2.1 Ammonium Ionic Liquids
2.2 Cholinium-Based Ionic Liquids
2.3 DABCO-Based Ionic Liquids
2.4 DBU-Based Ionic Liquids
2.5 Guanidinium-Based Ionic Liquids
2.6 Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
2.7 Phosphonium Ionic Liquids
2.8 Pyridinium Ionic Liquids
2.9 Other Ionic Liquids
3 Summary and Outlook
4 Abbreviations
Key words
ionic liquids - heterocycles - synthesis - catalysis - ionic salts
