An in-depth look at the effect of Lewis acid catalysts on Diels–Alder cycloadditions in ionic liquids

Abstract The present work explores in detail the Diels–Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and a series of dienophiles, performed in an innovative medium such as an ionic liquid. The potential activation of different Lewis acid catalysts and their load effect when used in combination with this solvent have been explored, in order to settle the improvement on rates and selectivities.