Green and Efficient Protocol for the Synthesis of N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)anilines by the Alkylation Reaction in Ionic Liquid

A green and efficient protocol for the synthesis of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)anilines by the selective alkylation reaction in ionic liquid [BMIM]BF4 (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) has been developed, eliminating the need for toxic and expensive catalysts and volatile organic solvents. The effects of the amount of ionic liquid, temperature, time, and substrate structure on the reaction were investigated. The conversion and selectivity of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)anilines obtained in ionic liquid [BMIM]BF4 are significantly increased in comparison to those traditional methods. Furthermore, the ionic liquid could be easily separated and reused at least five times. It provided a simple and efficient alternative way for the industrial synthesis of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)anilines.