Solventless and swift benzoin condensation catalyzed by 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids under microwave irradiation

A solventless benzoin condensation was performed with several imidazolium-based ionic liquids as catalysts under microwave irradiation. The process enables the formation of α-hydroxy-α-phenylacetophenone with good yield (up to 97%) and purity in a very short time. Moreover, the work-up only requires the use of water, giving a green touch to the overall process.