Task-oriented use of ionic liquids: efficient acetylation of alcohols and phenols

Abstract The ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate proves to be an excellent reaction medium for the acetylation of alcohols and phenols, providing better conditions than the acidic 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bisulfate. Reactions were carried at room temperature, with only a 10% excess of acylating agent and with no other solvent or catalyst added.