Synthesis of novel chiral imidazolium-based ionic liquids derived from isosorbide and their applications in asymmetric aza Diels–Alder reaction

A novel family of chiral imidazolium-based ionic liquids containing a chiral moiety and a free hydroxyl function has been designed and synthesized using isosorbide as a biorenewable substrate. These chiral ionic liquids were found to catalyze the aza Diels–Alder reaction to give good yields and moderate diastereoselectivities. Chiral ionic liquids are recycled while their efficiency is preserved.