Microwave-promoted, one-pot conversion of alkoxymethylated protected alcohols into their corresponding nitriles, bromides, and iodides using [bmim][InCl4] as a green catalyst

The Lewis acid room temperature ionic liquid, [bmim][InCl4], was found to be an efficient and green catalyst for the highly chemoselective and one-pot conversion of MOM- or EOM-ethers into their corresponding nitriles, bromides, and iodides under microwave irradiation. The procedures are simple, rapid, and high yielding. The catalyst exhibited a remarkable reactivity and is reusable.