PEG‐DIL‐based MnCl 4 2− : A novel phase transfer catalyst for nucleophilic substitution reactions of benzyl halides

Poly(ethylene glycol) dicationic ionic liquid‐based MnCl 4 2− was prepared by nucleophilic substitution of poly(ethylene glycol) dichloride with methylimidazole followed by reaction with MnCl 2 . The structural properties of the catalyst were systematically investigated using Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible and Raman spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The application of this catalyst allows the synthesis of a variety of benzyl thiocyanates and azides in high yield under reflux conditions in water. The main advantages of this method are its easy nature, rapidity, environmental benignity and high yields.