Relationship of basicity and hydrogen bond properties of ionic liquids with its catalytic performance: Application to synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether

The relationship of basicity and hydrogen bond with catalytic performance was investigated in synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) catalyzed by various ILs ([Emim][OAC], [Bmim][OAC], [N 2222 ][OAC], [EtOHN 111 ][OAC], [N 4444 ]Br, [Bmim][N(CN) 2 ], [Bmim]Br, [Bmim][PF 6 ]). The basicity and Kamlet-Taft parameters of each catalyst were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy. It was found the catalytic performance is the synergistic effect of basicity and hydrogen bond donating ability in the synthesis of PGME from PO and CH 3 OH, which is quite different from the conventional basic catalytic mechanism.