Abstract

This mini-review reports an overview of the most promising applications of chiral ionic liquids as organocatalysts for asymmetric reactions such as the asymmetric direct aldol, Michael addition, Diels-Alder and Baylis-Hillman reactions, as well as future perspectives for industrial applications. Recent publications have reported the development of novel chiral ionic liquids and their potential application as unique chiral reaction media or just as alternative chiral organocatalysts. The number of chiral ionic liquids efficiently tested for asymmetric catalysis to date is small but new perspectives can be considered in the future. The peculiar properties of ionic liquids, including chiral ones, combined with the possibility to recycle and reuse them, can be particularly relevant for some catalytic reactions.

Keywords: Chiral Ionic Liquids, Organocatalysis, Asymmetric reactions.