Abstract: The functionalized ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium toluene-p-sulfonate ([bmim]OTs) dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim]BF4) can efficiently catalyze the acetylation of benzyl alcohol under neutral reaction conditions. It shows high activity and stability even after recycling use ten times. A multicomponent ionic liquid system, [bmim]OTs-[bmim]BF4, exhibits good universality to various substrates such as alcohols (primary, secondary, and tertiary), phenols, and amines. The formed intermediate of AcOTs derived from the reaction between [bmim]OTs and acetic anhydride (Ac2O) is the catalytically active species with the supportive information from13CNMR analysis.

Key words: acetylation, functionalization, ionic liquid, alcohol, phenol, amine