Imidazolium-based chiral ionic liquids: synthesis and application

Synthesis of chiral ionic liquids containing an imidazole nucleus and chiral centers on N-substituents is reported. [(2S,3S)-2,3-Dihydroxybutane-1,4-bis(3-butylimidazolium)]-[bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide]2 and [(4S,5S)-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-bis(1-methylimidazolium)]-[bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide]2 induced enantioselectivity in the Michael addition of malonic esters to chalcones.