Tunable aryl imidazolium recyclable ionic liquid with dual br?nsted-lewis acid as green catalyst for friedel-crafts acylation and thioesterification

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules25020352

Unique tunable aryl imidazolium ionic liquids successfully catalyzed Friedel-Crafts acylation and thioesterification in sealed tubes. These reactions can form a C-C bond and a C-S bond with high atom economy. Ionic liquids exhibited high activity and catalyzed essential reactions with good to excellent yields while retaining their catalytic activities for recycling.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules25020352

molecules
Article
Tunable Aryl Imidazolium Recyclable Ionic Liquid
with Dual Brønsted–Lewis Acid as Green Catalyst for
Friedel–Crafts Acylation and Thioesterification
Yi-Jyun Lin 1,†, Yao-Peng Wu 1,†, Mayur Thul 1,† , Ming-Wei Hung 1, Shih-Huan Chou 2,
Wen-Tin Chen 3, Wesley Lin 4 , Michelle Lin 4, Daggula Mallikarjuna Reddy 1, Hsin-Ru Wu 5,
Wen-Yueh Ho 6,* and Shun-Yuan Luo 1,
*
1
Department of Chemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
jiun16899@yahoo.com.tw (Y.-J.L.); grandy.hchs@gmail.com (Y.-P.W.); mayurthul4@gmail.com (M.T.);
wei7521@gmail.com (M.-W.H.); mallikarjuna18.d@gmail.com (D.M.R.)
Department of Chemistry, Taipei American School, Taipei 111, Taiwan; 20ryanc@tas.tw
Department of Chemistry, Taichung Municipal Chungming Senior High School, Taichung 403, Taiwan;
ting2182180@gmail.com
2
3
4
5
6
Department of Chemistry, Morrison Academy, Taichung 406, Taiwan; linw@mca.org.tw (W.L.);
linm5@mca.org.tw (M.L.)
Instrumentation Center, MOST, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
hrwu@mx.nthu.edu.tw
Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and
Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
*
Correspondence: rickho@mail.cnu.edu.tw (W.-Y.H.); syluo@dragon.nchu.edu.tw (S.-Y.L.);
Tel.: +886-928502344 (S.-Y.L.)
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
ꢀꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
ꢀꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Received: 13 December 2019; Accepted: 9 January 2020; Published: 15 January 2020
Abstract: Unique tunable aryl imidazolium ionic liquids successfully catalyzed Friedel–Crafts
acylation and thioesterification in sealed tubes. These reactions can form a C
bond with high atom economy. Ionic liquids exhibited high activity and catalyzed essential reactions
with good to excellent yields while retaining their catalytic activities for recycling.
−
C bond and a C S
−
Keywords: ionic liquids; Friedel–Crafts acylation; thioesterification; recyclable
1. Introduction
Ionic liquids outperform organic solvents in industrial processes and are considered as an
eco-friendly choice to the broad scope of the organic reactions [1–6]. They are important green solvents
that exhibit high thermal stability, recovery, and recycling. They are also a new class of solvents that
are expected to be increasingly used by the chemical industry in the next few years, replacing volatile
organic solvents. Owing to their low volatility, non-flammability, and thermal stability, ionic liquids
can be applied in many operations. Most ionic liquids, such as imidazolium, comprise an organic or
inorganic anion and a quaternary ammonium cation [7–10]. Because they are hugely tunable and have
remarkable properties, they have become a crucial part in synthesis and catalysis. Most of the interest
in ionic liquids concentrates on their ability to change considerably the reactivity of dissolved solutes.
The properties of ionic liquids have caused them to be identified as designer solvents, including
task specific ionic liquids [11,12]. A comprehensive understanding of the physical characteristics of
ionic liquids can increase their industrial use [13]. Ionic liquids have been analyzed owing to their
many applications in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, separation chemistry,
separation technology, polymers, fiber optics, pH sensors, and others [14,15].
Molecules 2020, 25, 352; doi:10.3390/molecules25020352
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

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In general, electronic effects and polarity of solvents play important roles in the outcomes of
the product for Friedel–Crafts reaction. The changing the connected carbon and oxygen atoms were
accomplished through para selective functionalization of benzoic acid in the presence of palladium
catalyst [16
broad range, such as pharmaceutical dyes, fragrances, and agrochemicals [20], and are convenient
for use in the synthesis of poly (4-vinyl pyridine)-triflic acid, indium triflate [21 22], perfluoroalkane
–19]. The aromatic ketones of Friedel–Crafts acylation are a fundamental mediator in a
,
sulfonic acidic resin is an acid catalyst with catalytic activity for many reactions giving high selectivity.
One major drawback of this catalyst is its inefficient swelling by aprotic organic solvents, which
generally leads to low reaction rates and others [23]. Iron (III) chloride earns wider acceptance as a
useful Lewis acid in Friedel–Crafts acylation [24]. The most exciting feature of our synthesized ionic
liquids have an important role in Friedel–Crafts acylation. Previous investigations have reported that
ionic liquids exhibit the dual Brønsted and Lewis acidic property, the halogen-free Brønsted–Lewis
acidic ionic liquids were synthesized and exploited to catalyze the esterification of caprylic acid
with methanol. The novel multifunctional MCM-41 as Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquids were
prepared and tested for their catalytic activities in one-pot three-component Mannich reactions [25
Benzoylation of anisole catalyzed by metal triflate and chloroindate (III) by Lewis—acid ionic liquid
were used in Friedel–Crafts reaction [28
29]. The consolidation of sp3 alkyl and sp2 aryl substituents at
–27].
,
the nitrogen atoms of the imidazolium origin allowed a far greater variety of ionic liquids [30]. These
ionic liquids have an sp2 hybridized carbon atoms as an N-substituted heterocycle are synthesized
as a novel type of ionic liquids is a renowned catalyst which is moisture insensitive and stable at
room temperature, use for a variety of organic transformations, including Friedel–Crafts acylation
reactions. The electron-withdrawing group of the aryl ring allows easier deprotonation of imidazolium
for forming a stronger Brønsted acid.
Thioesters are important molecules for organic synthesis and are obtained by coupling aldehydes
and sulfur surrogates recently [31]. Kita and co-workers described the formation of thioesters from
aldehydes [32] and specific pentafluorophenyl disulfide [33]. Takemoto and co-workers reported the
expensive carbene-promoted coupling reaction of thiols and aldehydes [34]. Bandgar and co-workers
developed that Dess–Martin periodinane and NaN3 promoted to synthesize thio-esters with aldehydes
and aryl thiols [35]. Lee and co-workers demonstrated that FeBr2 is able to catalyze synthesis of
thioesters from thiols, aldehydes and tert-butyl hydro peroxide (TBHP) in water [36].
2. Results and Discussion
Initial studies of 2a and 3a determined the optimal reaction conditions (Table 1). The study of
dual Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquids 1a
,
1b
,
1c, and 1d of Figure 1 suggested that 1d was the best
38].
catalyst of Friedel–Crafts acylation, providing the product 4a in 74% yield (Table 1, entries 1–4) [37
,
Increasing the temperature to 100 ◦C and 120 ◦C with 1d afforded 4a in 74% and 71% yields, respectively
(Table 1, entries 5–6). Lowering the concentration of 1d to 0.9 equivalent led to higher yield (78%,
Table 1, entry 7), while decreasing it to 0.8 equivalent reduced the reaction yield (73%, Table 1, entry 8).
Figure 1. Tunable aryl imidazolium recyclable ionic liquid 1a–1d with dual activity.

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Table 1. Optimized condition of Friedel–Crafts acylation.
a
Yield b
Entry
IL (equiv.)
T
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1a (1.0)
1b (1.0)
1c (1.0)
1d (1.0)
1d (1.0)
1d (1.0)
1d (0.9)
1d (0.8)
80 ◦C
80 ◦C
57%
32%
72%
74%
74%
71%
78%
73%
80 ◦C
80 ◦C
100 ◦C
120 ◦C
100 ◦C
100 ◦C
a
b
Our reaction conditions are anisole (2.0 equiv.), benzoyl chloride (1.0 equiv.) and ionic liquids 1a
–1d
.
The yields
are isolated yields.
2.1. Friedel–Crafts Acylation
The scope of Friedel–Crafts reaction with various aryl alkanes and acyl chlorides under optimized
reaction conditions was investigated (Table 2, entries 1–8). The Friedel–Crafts reactions with aryl
alkanes 2a and different acyl chloride (3b–3c) under standard conditions were carried out, and the
desired products 4b and 4c were isolated in 73% and 68% yields (Table 2, entries 1,2). Under the same
reaction conditions, the Friedel–Crafts reaction in the presence of 2b and 3a produced 4d in 83% yield
(Table 1, entry 3). The reaction proceeded very smoothly with 2b and 3b under the above conditions
to yield the compound 4e with a 79% yield (Table 2, entry 4). Acyl chloride 3c reacted with 2b to
afford the corresponding product 4f in 89% yield (Table 2, entry 5). Aryl alkane 2c and acyl chloride
3a were coupled under similar reaction conditions to obtain the product 4g in 81% yield (Table 2,
entry 6). When the reaction was performed using 2c and 3b, the product 4h was afforded in 71% yield
(Table 2, entry 7). Product 4i was furnished in 70% yield using 2c and 3c (Table 2, entry 8). While doing
Friedel–Crafts acylation, HCl did not affect the reaction, so could not consider to remove HCl from
ionic liquid. It is possible to remove HCl from an ionic liquid by using a high vacuum or suction pump.

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Table 2. Ionic liquids 1d catalyzed Friedel—Crafts acylation with aryl alkanes 2a–2c and acid chlorides
3a–3c without solvent.
Entry
Aryl Alkane
Acyl Chloride
t (h)
P (yield)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2a
2a
2b
2b
2b
2c
2c
2c
3b
3c
3a
3b
3c
3a
3b
3c
4.0
4.0
2.0
3.5
2.0
3.0
3.5
3.0
4b (73%)
4c (68%)
4d (83%)
4e (79%)
4f (89%)
4g (81%)
4h (71%)
4i (70%)
To further develop a recyclable catalytic system, the recycling of the 1d was inspected under the
optimized conditions (Figure 2a). After reaction finished, diethyl ether was added. The ionic liquid
1d was recovered from water layer and dried for the next reaction under vacuum. For the first run,
the activity of ionic liquid 1d remained same yield (78%). In the subsequent second (76%), third (66%),
fourth (69%), and fifth (67%) cycles, the desired product was still reached with 100% conversion, when
reaction was monitored on TLC plate, the desired product saw without any side product (Figure 2b).

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(a)
(b)
Figure 2. (a) Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction (b) Recycling of 1d in the synthesis of (4-methoxyphenyl)
phenyl-methanone 4a.
Initially, acyl chloride
2
was abstracted the proton of 1d. The acyl chloride cation
A and 1da
transformed to intermediate
to give intermediate . Subsequently,
anion. Ultimately, the acyl cation reacted with aryl alkane
B
by the release of 1db. Then, 1db captured the proton of intermediate B
C
C
was transformed into acyl cation
D
by the release of FeCl4
D
1
to form the desired product 3 (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Proposed mechanism of Friedel–Crafts acylation.

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2.2. Thioesterification
Initially, benzaldehyde 5a and 1-dodecanethiol 6a were selected as the model substrates to
determine the optimized reaction conditions and the results are summarized in Table 3. We first
examined the source of the ionic liquids 1a–1d (0.025 equivalent) in presence of TBHP as a oxidant at
120 ◦C (Table 3, entries 1–4), and 1d was the best catalyst of thioesterification providing the product 7a
in 70% yield (Table 3, entries 1–4). Decreasing the temperature to 100 ◦C and increasing the temperature
to 140 ◦C with 1d afforded 7a in similar yields (Table 3, entries 5–6). Decreasing the concentration of 1d
to 0.010 equivalent led to lower yield (68%, Table 1, entry 7), while increasing it to 0.030 equivalent
reduced the reaction yield (61%, Table 1, entry 8).
Table 3. Optimized condition of thioesterification.
a
Yield b
Entry
IL (equiv.)
T
t (h)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1a (0.025)
1b (0.025)
1c (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.010)
1d (0.030)
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
100 ◦C
140 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
2 h
2 h
2 h
2 h
2 h
2 h
2 h
2 h
33%
43%
56%
70%
68%
69%
68%
61%
a
Our reaction conditions are benzalehyde (5.0 equiv.), 1-dodecanethiol (1.0 equiv.), TBHP (2.0 equiv.) and ionic
b
liquid 1a–1d. The yields are isolated yields.
With these optimized reaction conditions in hand, the scope of the substrates was then studied.
The results are summarized in Table 4. A variety of alkyl thiols and aromatic thiols were conducted
with aromatic and alkyl aldehydes to afford the corresponding thioesters in good to excellent yields.
Aromatic aldehydes bearing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents are all suitable
for catalysis. Aldehyde reacted with thiol 6b and 6c to give corresponding product 7b in 88% and 7c in
55% respectively. It is important to note that this system shows good functional group tolerance; chloro
(Table 4, products 7d, 7e and 7f) are tolerated by reaction condition employed. Aldehydes bearing
electron donating substituents underwent thioesterification with alkyl and aryl thiols to give desired
product (Table 4, products 7g and 7h). Alkyl thiols were also reacted with alkyl aldehydes to give the
corresponding thioesters (Table 4, products 7i, 7j, 7k, and 7l).

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Table 4. Ionic liquids 1d catalyzed coupling reaction with aldehydes 5a–5e and thiols 6a–6c
without solvent.
Yield b
Entry
IL (eq) a
RCHO
Thiol
T
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d (0.025)
1d(0.025)
5a
5a
5b
5b
5c
5c
5c
5d
5d
5e
5e
6b
6c
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120.◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
120 ◦C
7b (88%)
7c (55%)
7d (73%)
7e (73%)
7f (76%)
7g (73%)
7h (51%)
7i (80%)
7j (71%)
7k (73%)
7l (64%)
6a
6b
6a
6b
6c
6a
6b
6a
6b
10
11
a
b
Our reaction conditions are aldehyde (5.0 equiv.), thiol (1.0 mmol), TBHP (2.0 equiv.) and ionic liquid 1d
.
The
yields are isolated yields.
In this method, the recovery of ionic liquid 1d ranges from 63–70% yields. The catalytic activity
was examined by thioesterification of thiols at 120 ◦C for 1 h (Figure 4a). The results are presented
in (Figure 4b). Ionic liquid was recovered and reused up to five times with only slightly decreased
catalytic activity.
Based on the above experimental results, a plausible mechanism is proposed in Figure 5. When 1d
is reacted with TBHP, and t-BuOO· radical is generated at the time. Initially benzaldehyde reacted with
ionic liquid 1d, which would lead to intermediate
A hydrogen atom is then abstracted from aldehyde to give an acyl radical. Further t-BuOO· radical
reacted with to give complex and then hydroxyl radicle II Reacts with to give the final product 6.
3. Then thiols react with intermediate 3 to give 4.
4
5
5

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(a)
(b)
) Thioesterification reaction of thiols (b) Recycling of ld in the synthesis of S-Dodecyl
Figure 4.
(a
benzothioate.
Figure 5. Proposed mechanism of thioesterification.

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3. Materials and Methods
The reactions were conducted in flame-dried glassware, under the nitrogen atmosphere.
Acetonitrile and dichloromethane were purified and dried from a safe purification system containing
activated Al2O3. All reagents obtained from commercial sources were used without purification unless
otherwise mentioned. Flash column chromatography was carried out on Silica Gel 60. TLC was
performed on pre-coated glass plates of Silica Gel 60 F254 detection was executed by spraying with a
solution of Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6 (0.5 g), (NH4)6Mo7O24 (24.0 g), and H2SO4 (28.0 mL) in water (500.0 mL)
and subsequent heating on a hot plate. Optical rotations were measured at 589 nm (Na), 1H, 13C NMR,
DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, and NOESY spectra were recorded with 400 MHz instruments.
Chemical shifts are in ppm from Me4Si generated from the CDCl3 lock signal at
δ 7.26. IR spectra were
taken with a FT-IR spectrometer using NaCl plates. Mass spectra were analyzed on instrument with
an EI, ESI, APCI, and FAB source.
(4-Methoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone (4a). To a solution of aryl alkane 2a (217
3a (116
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for two hours. After
cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl ether layer was
µL, 2 mmol), acyl chloride
µ
×
decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After filtration,
the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography to give the desired product 4a (165 mg, 78%) as a light yellow oil. Rf 0.37 (EtOAc/Hex
= 1/6). IR (NaCl) v 3060, 3006, 2840, 1651, 1597, 1508, 1171 cm−1; 1H NMR (Supplementary Materials)
(400 MHz, CDCl3)
7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
131.8, 130.0, 129.6, 128.1, 113.4, 55.4; HRMS (EI, M+) calculated for C14H12O2 212.0837, found 212.0834.
δ
7.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J =
δ
195.4, 163.1, 138.2, 132.4,
(2-Chlorophenyl)-(4-methoxyphenyl) methanone (4b). To a solution of aryl alkane 2a (217 L, 2 mmol),
acyl chloride 3b (126
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for
four hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl
µ
µ
×
ether layer was decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4.
After filtration, the organic solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography to give the desired product 4b (180 mg, 73%) as a light yellow solid. Rf 0.40
(EtOAc/Hex = 1/4); mp 71–74 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 3068, 3009, 2964, 2840, 1659, 1595, 1508, 1464, 1149, 843
cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 7.79 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.47–7.38 (m, 2H), 7.37–7.36 (m, 1H), 7.35
(d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 193.8, 164.1,
139.0, 132.5, 131.0, 130.8, 129.9, 129.4, 128.8, 126.6, 113.8, 55.5; HRMS (ESI, M + H+) calculated for
C14H12ClO2 247.0526, found 247.0525
(4-Chlorophenyl)-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (4c). To a solution of aryl alkane 2a (217
acyl chloride 3c (127
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for
four hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl
µL, 2 mmol),
µ
×
ether layer was decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4.
After filtration, the organic solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography to give the desired product 4c (168 mg, 68%) as a light yellow solid. Rf 0.37
(EtOAc/Hex = 1/4); mp 119–122 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 2962, 2934, 2841, 1641, 1604, 1509, 1461, 1148, 760 cm−1
;
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
6.97 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
129.7, 128.5, 113.6, 55.5; HRMS (ESI, M + H+) calculated for C14H12ClO2 247.0526, found 247.0523.
δ
7.80 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H),
194.2, 163.3, 138.2, 136.5, 132.4, 131.1,
δ
(2,4,6-Trimethylphenyl)-phenylmethanone (4d). To a solution of aryl alkane 2b (278 L, 2 mmol), acyl
chloride 3a (116
L, 1 mmol) and ionic liquid 5 (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for 2 hours.
After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl ether layer was
µ
µ
×
decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After filtration,
the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash

Molecules 2020, 25, 352
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chromatography to give the desired product 4d (186 mg, 83%) as a light yellow oil. Rf 0.40 (EtOAc/Hex
= 1/12); IR (NaCl) v 3061, 2951, 2921, 2860, 1671, 1449, 1380 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
7.81 (d,
J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 6H); 13
δ
C
NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) δ 200.8, 138.5, 137.3, 136.8, 134.1, 133.5, 129.4, 128.7, 128.3, 21.1, 19.3; HRMS
(ESI, M + H+) calculated for C16H17O 225.1279, found 225.1281.
(2-Chlorophenyl)-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) methanone (4e). To a solution of aryl alkane 2b (278
µ
L, 2 mmol),
acyl chloride 3b (126
hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2
µ
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for 3.5
×
40 mL). The diethyl ether
layer was decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After
filtration, the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography to give the desired product 4e (204 mg, 79%) as a light orange solid. Rf 0.53
(EtOAc/Hex = 1/10). mp 101–102 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 2917, 1671, 1610, 1584, 1436 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz,
CDCl3)
2.12 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
128.8, 126.8, 21.1, 19.7; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C16H15ClONa 281.0709, found 281.0710.
δ
7.47 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H),
δ
198.9, 139.3, 137.6, 137.3, 135.0, 133.2, 132.7, 131.7, 131.4,
(4-Chlorophenyl)-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)methanone (4f). To a solution of aryl alkane 2b (278 L, 2 mmol),
acyl chloride 3c (127
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for two
hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl ether
µ
µ
×
layer was decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After
filtration, the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography to give the desired product 4f (230 mg, 89%) as a white solid. Rf 0.61 (EtOAc/Hex
= 1/10). mp 64–65 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 2921, 1673, 1586 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 7.74 (d, J = 8.4
Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.07 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
199.5, 140.1, 138.7, 136.3, 135.6, 134.1, 130.7, 129.1, 128.4, 21.1, 19.3; HRMS (APCI, M + H+) calculated
for C16H16ClO 259.0890, found 259.0888.
(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone (4g). To a solution of aryl alkane 2c (256
3a (116
L, 1 mmol) and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for three hours. After
cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2 40 mL). The diethyl ether layer was
µL, 2 mmol), acyl chloride
µ
×
decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After filtration,
the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography to give the desired product 4g (196 mg, 81%) as a white solid. Rf 0.45 (EtOAc/Hex =
1/4); mp 100–101 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 3079, 3003, 2960, 2839, 1649, 1594, 1272, 1130 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz,
CDCl3)
δ 7.75 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H),
7.36 (dd, J = 8.3, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 195.4, 152.9, 148.9, 138.1, 131.7, 130.0, 129.6, 128.0, 125.4, 111.9, 109.6, 55.9; HRMS (ESI, M +
Na+) calculated for C15H14O3Na 265.0841, found 265.0844.
(2-Chlorophenyl)-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) methanone (4h). To a solution of aryl alkane 2c (256 µL, 2 mmol),
acyl chloride 3b (126
hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was washed by diethyl ether (2
layer was decanted, extracted with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4. After
filtration, the organic solvent was then removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography to give the desired product 4h (196 mg, 71%) as a light yellow solid. Rf 0.34
(EtOAc/Hex = 1/2). mp 142–143 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 3079, 2936, 2840, 1659, 1592, 1513, 1464, 1418, 1133
µ
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for 3.5
×
40 mL). The diethyl ether
cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
7.33 (d, J = 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 6H);
13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
193.8, 153.9, 149.2, 138.8, 131.0, 130.7, 129.9, 129.4, 128.8, 126.5, 126.3,
110.7, 109.9, 56.1, 55.9; HRMS (ESI, M + H+) calculated for C15H14ClO3 277.0631, found 277.0632.
δ 7.56 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45–7.37 (m, 2H), 7.34 (t, J = 1.0 Hz, 1H),
δ

Molecules 2020, 25, 352
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(4-Chlorophenyl)-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanone (4i). To a solution of aryl alkane 2c (256
µ
L, 2 mmol),
acyl chloride 3c (127
three hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted by ethyl acetate (2
µ
L, 1 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (349 mg, 0.9 mmol) were stirred at 100 ◦C for
×
40 mL). The ethyl
acetate layer was decanted, washed with water, aqueous NaHCO3, and brine, and dried over MgSO4.
The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desired product 4i (193 mg, 70%) as a
white solid. Rf 0.28 (EtOAc/Hex = 1/4). mp 113–114 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 2935, 2839, 1649, 1594, 1514, 1272
cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 7.72 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.48–7.46 (m, 2H), 7.45–7.44 (m, 1H), 7.34
(dd, J = 8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.95 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
193.8, 152.9, 148.8, 137.9, 136.2, 130.9, 129.5, 128.2, 125.1, 111.6, 109.5, 55.8, 55.7; HRMS (ESI, M + H+)
calculated for C15H14ClO3 277.0632, found 277.0656.
S-Dodecyl benzothioate (7a). To a solution of thiol 6a (240
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at
120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl
acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered and
µL, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5a (510 µL, 5 mmol),
µ
×
concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7a (214 mg,
70% yield) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.36 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 3063, 3030, 2925, 2854, 1666, 1597, 1449,
1377, 1027, 1001 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
7.97 (dd, J = 8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H),
7.41 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.72–1.62 (m, 2H), 1.46–1.38 (m, 2H), 1.27 (s, 16H), 0.89 (t,
J = 7.0 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
191.7, 137.1, 133.0, 128.4, 127.0, 31.9, 29.6, 29.5, 29.4, 29.3,
29.1, 28.9, 28.88, 22.6, 14.0; HRMS (FAB, M + H+) calculated for C19H31OS 307.2096, found 307.2087.
δ
S-Decyl benzothioate (7b). To a solution of thiol 6b (212 L, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5a (510 L, 5 mmol),
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at
120 ◦C for 1 hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate
(3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered and concentrated.
µ
µ
µ
×
The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7b (245 mg, 88% yield) as
a colorless liquid. Rf 0.30 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 3063, 3031, 2926, 2854, 1666, 1597, 1449, 1377, 1027,
1001 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
7.97 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J = 7.8
Hz, 2H), 3.06 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.63–1.71 (m, 2H), 1.46–1.38 (m, 2H), 1.27 (s, 12H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.8 Hz,
3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 191.9, 137.2, 133.0, 128.4, 127.1, 31.8, 29.5, 29.49, 29.45, 29.2, 29.1,
29.0, 28.9, 22.6, 14.0; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C17H26NaOS 301.1602, found 301.1606.
S-(4-Chlorophenyl) benzothioate (7c). To a solution of thiol 6c (145 mg, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5a (510
µL,
5 mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277
stirred at 120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered
µL, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7c
(137 mg, 55% yield) as a white solid. Rf 0.25 (Hexane). mp 75–76 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 3082, 3055, 1674, 1574,
1474, 1446, 1389, 1203, 1012 cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 8.03 (dd, J = 8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.47–7.41 (m, 4H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 189.5, 136.2,
135.9, 133.8, 129.4, 128.7, 127.4, 125.7; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C13H9ClNaOS 270.9960,
found 270.9965.
S-Dodecyl 4-chlorobenzothioate (7d). To a solution of thiol 6a (240
5 mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were
stirred at 120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered,
µL, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5b (703 µL,
µ
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7d (248
mg, 73%) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.28 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 2925, 2854, 1913, 1825, 1785, 1668, 1589,
1464, 1092 cm1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
7.90 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.67 (quint, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.42 (quint, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (s, 16H), 0.88 (t, J = 7.0 Hz
,

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3H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
190.9, 139.5, 135.5, 128.8, 128.5, 31.9, 29.6, 29.56, 29.5, 29.3, 29.2, 29.1,
28.9, 22.7, 14.1; HRMS (ESI, M + H+) calculated for C19H30ClOS 341.1706, found 341.1705.
S-Decyl 4-chlorobenzothioate (7e). To a solution of thiol 6b (221
mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were
stirred at 120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered,
µL, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5b (703 mg, 5
µ
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7e (228
mg, 73%) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.31 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 2955, 2926, 2854, 1668, 1589, 1464, 1092
cm−1; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
7.90 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (t, J = 7.2 Hz
2H), 1.66 (quint, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.41 (quint, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (s, 12H), 0.88 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 13
NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3) 191.0, 139.5, 135.6, 128.8, 128.5, 31.9, 29.5, 29.47, 29.3, 29.2, 29.1, 28.9, 22.7,
14.1; HRMS (ESI, M + H+) calculated for C17H26ClOS 313.1393, found 313.1355.
,
C
δ
S-Dodecyl 4-methoxybenzothioate (7f). To a solution of thiol 6a (239 L, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5c (609
5 mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (276 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (10 mg, 0.025 mmol) were
stirred at 140 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered,
µ
µL,
µ
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7f
(255 mg, 76%) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.20 (hexane); IR (NaCl) v 2924, 2853, 1658, 1602, 1508, 1463,
1259, 837; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 7.93 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H),
3.03 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.68–1.60 (m, 2H), 1.44–1.36 (m, 2H), 1.24 (s, 16H), 0.86 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 13
NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
28.9, 28.8, 22.6, 14.0; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C20H32NaO2S 359.2020, found 359.2032.
C
δ
190.4, 163.5, 130.0, 129.2, 113.5, 55.3, 31.9, 29.6, 29.58, 29.54, 29.5, 29.3, 29.1,
S-Decyl 4-methoxybenzothioate (7g). To a solution of thiol 6b (207 L, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5c (609
5 mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (276
stirred at 120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered,
µ
µL,
µL, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (10 mg, 0.025 mmol) were
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7g
(226 mg, 73%) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.25 (hexane); IR (NaCl) v 2925, 2854, 1658, 1602, 1508, 1463,
1259, 838; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
7.93 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H),
3.02 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.68–1.60 (m, 2H), 1.44–1.35 (m, 2H), 1.24 (s, 12H), 0.86 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 13
NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) 190.4, 163.5, 130.0, 129.2, 113.6, 55.3, 31.8, 29.6, 29.5, 29.4, 29.2, 29.1, 28.9, 28.8,
22.6, 14.0; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C18H28NaO2S 331.1708, found 331.1702.
C
δ
S-(4-Chlorophenyl) 4-methoxybenzothioate (7h). To a solution of thiol 6c (145 mg, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5c
(609 L, 5 mmol), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (276 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (10 mg, 0.025 mmol)
were stirred at 120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted
with ethyl acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered
µ
µ
×
and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7h
(142 mg, 51%) as a white solid. Rf 0.45 (EtOAc /Hex = 1/4); mp 96–97 ◦C; IR (NaCl) v 1690, 1660, 1602,
1508, 1261, 833; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H).; 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
126.0, 113.8, 55.4; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C14H11ClNaO2S 301.0066, found 301.0059.
δ
7.98 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 3.2 Hz, 4H), 6.94 (d, J
187.7, 164.0, 136.2, 135.6, 129.6, 129.2, 128.9,
δ
S-Dodecyl hexanethioate (7i). To a solution of thiol 6a (239 L, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5d (615 L, 5 mmol),
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (276 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (10 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at
120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl
acetate (3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and
µ
µ
µ
×
concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7i (240 mg,
80%) as a colorless liquid. Rf 0.35 (hexane); IR (NaCl) v 2957, 2926, 2855, 1693, 1464, 1121; 1H NMR
(400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 2.85 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.52 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.69–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.59–1.51 (m, 2H),

Molecules 2020, 25, 352
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1.37–1.27 (m, 8H), 1.25 (s, 14H), 0.90–0.85 (m, 6H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
199.5, 199.3, 44.0, 31.9,
31.0, 29.6, 29.5, 29.4, 29.3, 29.1, 28.8, 28.7, 25.3, 22.6, 22.3, 14.0, 13.8; HRMS (FAB, M + H+) calculated for
C18H37OS 301.2565, found 301.2568.
S-Decyl hexanethioate (7j). To a solution of thiol 6b (221
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at
120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate
(3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated.
µL, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5d (615 µL, 5 mmol),
µ
×
The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7j (194 mg, 71%) as a
colorless liquid. Rf 0.40 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 2927, 2855, 2731, 2671, 1693, 1463, 1030 cm−1; 1H NMR
(400 MHz, CDCl3)
(quint, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.30 (m, 8H), 1.25 (s, 10H), 0.88 (q, J = 6.4 Hz, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
199.9, 44.1, 31.9, 31.1, 29.6, 29.5, 29.48, 29.3, 29.1, 28.82, 28.8, 25.4, 22.7, 22.3, 14.1, 13.9; HRMS (ESI, M
+ Na+) calculated for C16H32NaOS 295.2072, found 295.2072.
δ 2.85 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.52 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.65 (quint, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.55
δ
S-Dodecyl octanethioate (7k). To a solution of thiol 6a (240 L, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5e (781
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at 120
◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3
20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated.
µ
µL, 5 mmol),
µ
×
The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7k (223 mg, 68% yield) as
a colorless liquid. Rf 0.48 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 2923, 2855, 1694, 1463, 1377, 1043 cm−1; 1H NMR (400
MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.83 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.50 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.69–1.58 (m, 2H), 1.58–1.48 (m, 2H), 1.23
(s, 26H), 0.85 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 199.6, 44.1, 31.9, 31.6, 29.6, 29.58, 29.55,
29.5, 29.3, 29.1, 28.9, 28.88, 28.8, 28.7, 25.7, 22.7, 22.6, 14.1, 14.0; HRMS (FAB, M + H+) calculated for
C20H41OS 329.2878, found 329.2878.
S-Decyl octanethioate (7l). To a solution of thiol 6b (221
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (277 L, 2 mmol), and ionic liquid 1d (9.7 mg, 0.025 mmol) were stirred at
120 ◦C for one hour in a sealed tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate
(3 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated.
µL, 1 mmol), aldehyde 5e (781 µL, 5 mmol),
µ
×
The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give the desire product 7l (192 mg, 64%) as a
colorless liquid. Rf 0.35 (Hexane). IR (NaCl) v 2956, 2926, 2855, 2730, 2671, 1693, 1464, 1124 cm−1; 1H
NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 2.85 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.52 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.64 (quint, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H),
1.55 (quint, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.36–1.26 (m, 10H), 1.25 (s, 12H), 0.87 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 6H); 13C NMR (101
MHz, CDCl3) δ 199.8, 44.1, 31.9, 31.6, 29.6, 29.5, 29.48, 29.3, 29.1, 28.9, 28.8, 28.79, 25.7, 22.7, 22.6, 14.1,
14.0; HRMS (ESI, M + Na+) calculated for C18H36NaOS 323.2385, found 323.2373.
4. Conclusions
The designed ionic liquid 1d were successfully catalyze the Friedel–Crafts acylation reaction and
thioesterification reaction. It provides good to excellent yield in both the reactions under optimal
conditions. The ionic liquid 1d exhibits the dual Brønsted and Lewis acidic property. The catalyst
showed high atom economy, high thermal stability, and could be recycled with minor loss in activity
and also moisture insensitive. The catalyst shows some limitations, which exhibited good solubility in
many organic solvents and deionized water, but not in hexane.
Supplementary Materials: 1H NMR and 13C NMR are available online.
Author Contributions: S.-Y.L. and W.-Y.H. designed the research. H.-R.W. analyzed the data. Y.-J.L., M.T., Y.-P.W.,
M.-W.H., W.L. and M.L. were prepared the compounds. S.-H.C. and W.-T.C. prepared ionic liquid. M.T. wrote the
manuscript with the help of D.M.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by National Chung Hsing University, and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy
and Science.

Molecules 2020, 25, 352
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Acknowledgments: The authors thank the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan (MOST
106-2113-M-005-007 and 107-2113-M-005-021 for S.-Y.L. and MOST 106-2221-E-041-004 for W.-Y.H.), National
Chung Hsing University, and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science for financial support.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the
study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to
publish the results.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are not available from the authors.
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