Abstract: The IL-Pro/SBA-15 catalyst was prepared using SBA-15 as the support to immobilize ionic liquid proline, which was synthesized from L-proline. The IL-Pro/SBA-15 catalyst was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal gravity analysis-derivative thermogravimetry, N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and the catalytic performance of the catalyst was measured for Knoevenagel reaction. The results showed that the mesoporous structure of SBA-15 was not affected by immobilization; however, the pore diameter, pore volume, and surface area were decreased. Mass loss of the supported ionic liquid occurred at 250–360 oC, and reached the maximum at 310 oC. The Pro-IL/SBA-15 catalyst had higher activity in Knoevenagel reaction of benzaldehyde with malononitrile and gave the corresponding product yield of 94%. The supported catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction system and reused at least seven times without loss of catalytic activity.

Key words: L-proline, functionalized ionic liquid, SBA-15 zeolite, supported catalyst, Knoevenagel reaction, benzaldehyde, malononitrile