Ionic Liquid [BDBDMIm](Br3)2 As a New Efficient Brominating Agent in the Synthesis of γ-Butyrolactones

Abstract

γ-Butyrolactones can be synthesized by a solvent free multicomponent reaction of aldehydes with ethylpyruvate followed by an intramolecular cyclization using the new brominating agent, ionic liquid [BDBDMIm](Br₃)₂. This is the first synthesis of γ-butyrolactones starting with aldehydes via the Knovenagel condensation and halogenation, followed by multicomponent cyclization reaction. The present method offers several advantages such as solvent free mild conditions, simple procedure, excellent yields, and environmental friendliness. All synthesized compounds were characterized by their IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.