Cost-effective ionic liquid for environmentally friendly synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

A simple, efficient and environmentally friendly process for synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones using a one-pot three-component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and urea/thiourea is discussed. The cost-effective, new generation ionic liquid (IL), tri-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium acetate was used as both solvent and catalyst. The reactions were carried out using both conventional heating and microwave energy. Application of IL technology with microwave energy represents an attractive and rapid alternative to the conventional acid-base catalyzed thermal processes.