Molecular iodine in [bmim][BF4]: a highly efficient green catalytic system for one-pot synthesis of 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one

Aldehydes and mercaptoacetic acid are coupled in the presence of a catalytic amount of economical and non-toxic molecular iodine in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid under mild conditions to afford the corresponding 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one in excellent yields. Molecular iodine acts faster in ionic liquids when compared to conventional solvents such as DMSO, DMF, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile. The recovered ionic liquids can be recycled in subsequent reactions with consistent activity.