10.1039/b413132k
This research explores the application of chloroindate(III) ionic liquids as a recyclable medium for Friedel–Crafts acylation reactions, which are crucial in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industry for synthesizing aromatic ketones. Traditionally, these reactions use strong Lewis acids like anhydrous aluminum(III) chloride, but they face issues such as catalyst deactivation and difficulty in separation. The study found that chloroindate(III) ionic liquids, synthesized by mixing organic chloride salts like 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) or trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ([P6,6,6,14]Cl) with anhydrous indium(III) chloride, offer a catalytic and completely recyclable system.