1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfinate: a novel reagent for synthesis of sulfones and β-ketosulfones in ionic liquid

A novel task-specific ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfinate, [bmim][p-TolSO2] has been synthesized and used as a nucleophile for the reaction with alkyl bromides and phenacyl bromides to prepare sulfones and β-ketosulfones in excellent yields (80–93%) in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid. The isolated yields of sulfones and β-ketosulfones were higher in [bmim][BF4] than other organic solvents at room temperature.