Ionic-liquid-catalyzed efficient transformation of γ-valerolactone to methyl 3-pentenoate under mild conditions.

Green nylons! Acidic ionic-liquid catalysis for the transformation of γ-valerolactone into methyl 3-pentenoate (M3P) is shown to be performed efficiently under mild conditions. M3P is obtained selectively from a reaction at 170 °C for 3.5 h in the presence of an acidic ionic liquid that has a low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and excellent catalytic performance. A possible reaction pathway for this conversion is also presented.