Deep eutectic solvents and glycerol: a simple, environmentally benign and efficient catalyst/reaction media for synthesis ofN-aryl phthalimide derivatives

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) and glycerol have been successfully employed as efficient catalysts/reaction media in the synthesis of N-aryl phthalimide derivatives from phthalic anhydride and primary aromatic amines. The DES prepared from choline chloride and malonic acid proved to be an efficient catalyst whereas glycerol and the DES of choline chloride and urea played a dual role of catalyst and solvent. These mixtures are biodegradable, nontoxic, and cost-effective thereby providing a good industrial alternative to conventional methods. These methods gave products in moderate to high yields with good recyclability of catalyst/solvent at least up to five consecutive runs.