Efficient method for Knoevenagel condensation in aqueous solution of amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs)

This work reports on the use of the amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) which have been used as catalysts in Knoevenagel condensation of various aldehydes with malononitrile. For research we use tetrabutylammonium ionic liquids based on eight natural amino acids. The reaction was carried out in an aqueous medium. Using water as solvent provided efficient and simple method of isolation of pure product with high yield. Moreover, amino acid ionic liquid dissolved in water could be reused many times without any loss of its catalytic activity. The influence of the anion was studied. Moreover the effect of technological parameters such as: the temperature, the catalyst content, and the reaction time on yield of reaction were investigated.