Green protocol for the O-H insertion of α-diazoketones with alcohols and water using ionic liquid [Bmim]BF₄

Abstract

α-Diazoketones undergo readily O-H insertion reactions with alcohols and water in hydrophilic [bmim]BF₄ ionic liquid in the absence of any acid catalyst to furnish α-alkoxy and α-hydroxy ketones in excellent yields under neutral conditions. The recovered ionic liquid can be easily reused in four to five cycles with consistent in activity. The use of ionic liquid helps to avoid the use of acid catalysts as well as environmentally unfavorable volatile organic solvents.