Gemini basic ionic liquid as bi-functional catalyst for the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones at room temperature

[Display omitted] •Bi-functional nature of the ionic liquid as catalyst cum solvent.•Another benefit of the present strategy is avoiding conventional organic solvents.•First room temperature protocol from 2-aminobenzonitriles and carbonyls.•Some challenging aromatic ketones were utilized as substrates for the first time. A cascade synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones has been developed from 2-aminobenzonitriles and carbonyl analogues using Gemini basic ionic liquid as green catalyst cum solvent at room temperature. Both aldehydes and ketones were condensed with 2-aminobenzonitriles affording good to excellent yields of products. Moreover, the ionic liquids can be reused up to 5th cycle without significant loss of catalytic activity.