Microwave-assisted preparation of dialkylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminates and their use as catalysts in the solvent-free tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols and phenols.

Microwave-assisted preparation of dialkylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminates, [CnMIM][AlCl4] and their application as recyclable catalysts for the efficient and eco-friendly protection of alcohols as tetrahydropyranyl (THP) ethers are described. The same catalyst can also be utilized for the deprotection of THP ethers.