Reduction of aldehydes and ketones by NaBH4 in presence of 1-alkyl-1,2,4-triazolium salts

Abstract We have synthesized two ionic liquids namely 1-hexyl-1,2,4-triazolium methanesulfonate and 1-hexyl-1,2,4-triazolium trifluoroacetate. We have carried out the reduction of various aldehydes and ketones by NaBH4 in the presence of the synthesized ionic liquids. Cinnamaldehyde and acetophenone are used for the optimization of the reaction condition. Reduction of different aldehydes and ketones were carried out and a good yield of product is obtained where the ionic liquid with anion methanesulfonate is used. In the case of ketones, ionic liquid 1-hexyl-1,2,4-triazolium trifluoroactetate gives a good yield.