[C6(MIm)2]2W10O32. 2H2O: A novel and powerful catalyst for the synthesis of 4-arylidene-2-phenyl-5(4)-oxazolones under ultrasonic condition

Di[1,6-bis(3-methylimidazolium-1-yl)hexane] decatungstate dihydrate ([C-6(MIm)(2)](2) W10O32. 2H(2)O) as a new family of polyoxometalate-based dicationic ionic liquids (POM-DIL) is synthesized and employed as a novel and powerful heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 4-arylidene-2-phenyl-5(4)-oxazolones (azlactones) under ultrasound-assisted solvent-free condition. On the basis of the results, the products were obtained in excellent yields under mild condition. Utilization of easy work-up and purification make it very interesting from an economic perspective. Moreover, a recycling study confirmed that the catalyst can be reused multiple times without significant loss of its activity. (C) 2011 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.