Direct sulfonylation of Baylis-Hillman alcohols and diarylmethanols with TosMIC in ionic liquid-[Hmim]HSO4: an unexpected reaction

A Bronsted acidic ionic liquid-[Hmim]HSO4 promoted unexpected reaction of Baylis-Hillman alcohols and diarylmethanols with p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) affording the corresponding sulfone derivatives instead of N-tosylmethyl amides is reported. After isolation of the product, the ionic liquid [Hmim]HSO4 was easily recycled for further use. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.