Indium(III) triflate — a catalyst for greener aromatic alkylation reactions

摘要

An environmentally friendly method for alkylating aromatic compounds with simple alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of indium(HI) triflate is reported. Ionic liquids are used as solvents and energy-efficient heating is provided by microwave radiation. Good yields are obtained with benzyl, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. Simple primary alcohols are not effective alkylating agents under these conditions. With tertiary alcohols, activated aromatic compounds such as toluene and anisole must be used to obtain good yields. The catalyst, which is immobilized in a water-insoluble ionic liquid, can be easily recycled without significant loss of activity.