Catalytic coupling and cracking reactions of alkanes in Lewis acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquids enhanced by molecular oxygen

In the presence of molecular oxygen, [BMIM]+[Al2Cl7]− (BMIM = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) ionic liquids catalyzed coupling reactions of cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane to give dimers and trimers. Further, conversions and reaction rates of n-heptane cracking and disproportionation reactions were strongly enhanced if an atmosphere of dry air was applied instead of an inert gas.