A simple, efficient, and green protocol for Knoevenagel condensation in a cost-effective ionic liquid 2-hydroxyethlammonium formate without a catalyst.

Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds such as malononitrile, ethylcyanoacetate, and cyanoacetamide proceeded very smoothly in reusable and cheap ionic liquid 2-hydroxyethylammonium formate at room temperature in the absence of a catalyst. Compared to other reported ionic liquids, the ionic liquid 2-hydroxyethylammonium formate shows better potential in the applications on the industrial scale with its low cost and viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]