Basic ionic liquid as catalysis and reaction medium: a novel and green protocol for the Markovnikov addition of N-heterocycles to vinyl esters, using a task-specific ionic liquid, [bmIm]OH.

A basic ionic liquid, 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium hydroxide ([bmIm]OH), has been introduced as a catalyst and reaction medium for the Markovnikov addition of N-heterocycles to vinyl esters under mild conditions. The evidence for the role of this basic ionic liquid [bmIm]OH in promoting the Markovnikov addition has been given. On the basis of the evidence, a mechanism was postulated.