Amberlyst-15® in ionic liquid: an efficient and recyclable reagent for the benzylation and hydroalkylation of β-dicarbonyl compounds

Benzylation and hydroalkylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using Amberlyst-15 immobilized in ionic liquid [Bmim][PF6] as an efficient reusable reagent was studied. The reagent was compared with other solid acid reagents along with role of the ionic liquid. The effect of various reaction parameters like type of reagent, solvent, substrate molar ratio, reaction time, and temperature were studied. Present protocol is advantageous due to the ease in handling of reagent, simple work-up procedure, economical and environmentally benign process. The products were obtained in good to excellent yield and applicable to wide variety of substrates.