Friedel–Crafts synthesis of triarylmethanes over 3-methyl-1-sulfonic acid imidazolium tetrachloroaluminate under green conditions

In this work, Friedel–Crafts (FC) alkylation of various arenes with aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by 3-methyl-1-sulfonic acid imidazoliumtetrachloroaluminate {[Msim]AlCl4}, to prepare triarylmethanes (TAMs) has been carried out. Some aromatic aldehydes were reacted with arenes containing electron-donor substitutions such as anisole, veratrole, phenols, indole and 2-naphtole under solvent-free conditions. The catalyst was recovered and reused successfully for four times. Simple methodology, easy work up, solvent-free condition and excellent yields are some advantages of this work.