Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Room Temperature Dicationic Ionic Liquid and its Application in the Synthesis of Xanthenediones Under Solvent-Free Conditions

Aim and Objective: In the present work, 1, 1'-sulfinyldiethylammonium bis (hydrogen sulfate) as a novel room temperature dicationic ionic liquid was synthesized and used as a catalyst for xanthenediones synthesis. Material and Method: The dicationic ionic liquid has been synthesized using ethylamine and thionyl chloride as precursors. Then, by the reaction of [(EtNH2)(2)SO]Cl-2 with H2SO4, [(EtNH2)(2)SO][HSO4](2) was prepared and after that, it was characterized by FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR as well as Hammett acidity function. This dicationic ionic liquid was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of xanthenediones via condensation of structurally diverse aldehydes and dimedone under solvent-free conditions. The progress of the reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography (ethyl acetate/n-hexane = 3/7). Results: An efficient solvent-free method for the synthesis of xanthenediones has been developed in the presence of [(EtNH2)(2)SO][HSO4](2) as a powerful catalyst with high to excellent yields, and short reaction times. Additionally, recycling studies have demonstrated that the dicationic ionic liquid can be readily recovered and reused at least four times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. Conclusion: This new dicationic ionic liquid can act as a highly efficient catalyst for xanthenediones synthesis under solvent-free conditions.