Synthesis and application of polyvinylimidazole based BrØnsted acidic ionic liquid grafted silica as heterogeneous catalysts in organic reactions

The use of ionic liquid in catalysis is attracting more and more attention in the field of chemistry.Polymeric ionic liquids or poly (ionic liquid)s (PILs) refer to a special type ofpolyelectrolytes which carry an IL species in each of the repeating units. Thus, the cationic or anionic centers areconstrained to the repeating units in the polymer chain[1].Inrecent years, PILswere found to take an enabling role in some fields of polymer chemistry and material science. PILscombine the unique properties of ionic liquids with the flexibility and properties of macromolecular architectures andprovide novel properties and functions that are of huge potential in a multitude of applications, including solid ionic conductor, powerful dispersant and stabilizer, absorbent,precursor for carbon materials, porous polymers and catalysts [2].Recently, immobilization process involving acidic ILs onsolid supports has been designed. The heterogenization of catalysts and reagents can offer important advantages in handling, separation and reuse procedures. In continuation of our studies on catalyst based on polymer grafted silica [3,4], here we report the synthesis andcharacterization ofpolyvinylimidazole basedBrØnsted acidic ionic liquid grafted silica and the application of this catalyst in some organic reactions.