Simple protic ionic liquid [Et₃NH][HSO₄] as a proficient catalyst for facile synthesis of biscoumarins

Abstract: We have explored a number of protic ionic liquids (PILs) as a catalyst for the synthesis of biscoumarins by condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin with an aromatic aldehyde. Methylimidazolium- and triethylammonium-based PILs were synthesized by simple neutralization reaction with protic acids. Triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate [Et₃NH][HSO₄] was found to be the best among the studied PILs concerning the yield of products and reaction time period. Different biscoumarin derivatives were synthesized based on 4-hydroxycoumarin and various substituted aromatic aldehydes at optimum reaction conditions. Obtained products were separated just by simple filtration. The facile method does not require additional purification for formed products. The catalyst has shown better yields along with outstanding recyclability, providing an environmental benign protocol for the synthesis of biscoumarin derivatives. Graphical Abstract: Screening of simple protic ionic liquids as a catalyst in the synthesis of biscoumarins, out of which [Et₃NH][HSO₄] was found to be best among the studied PILs.