Heterogenized ionic liquid-metal oxide hybrids: enhanced catalytic activity in the liquid-phase Beckmann rearrangement

We report the design of stable, ionic liquid-hybrids, covalently-anchored to the framework architectures of microporous and hierarchical solid supports. The ionic liquid moieties that are anchored to the framework facilitate enhanced mass-transport, and afford superior catalytic performance in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclic oximes at low-temperatures. The ionic liquid-metal oxide (IL-MO) hybrids also play an important role in modifying the reaction pathway and synergistic enhancements in catalytic properties are attributed to the increased hydrophobicity of the anchored, imidazolium-based ionic liquid.