Ester functionalized hydrophobic task specific ionic liquid for Glaser coupling

963-968A new hydrophobic ester functionalized task specific ionic liquid has been synthesized and its application explored in the synthesis of conjugated 1,3-diynes through Glaser coupling of terminal alkynes. Terminal alkynes undergo oxidative-coupling smoothly in the presence of CuI-TEA catalytic system in hydrophobic ionic liquid under aerobic conditions to produce 1,3-diynes in excellent yields under mild conditions. The recovery and reusability of the catalyst is supported by the hydrophobic nature of the TSIL