Efficient and green synthesis of imidazoles using a SO3H-functional ionic liquid as catalyst

SO3H-functional Brønsted-acidic ionic liquid [DMBSI]HSO4 as an efficient catalyst has been applied for the efficient synthesis of imidazoles through one-pot three-component reaction between benzyl or phenantherenquinone, ammonium acetate and aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. Thepresent methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields (81-99%), easy work-up of product, non -use of solvent, short reaction times (1-7 min) and milder conditions.