Non-conventional techniques, such as microwave (MW) and power ultrasound(US) as well as combined MW/US irradiation, have been used to promote one-potsynthesis of second-generation ionic liquids (ILs), cutting down reaction times andimproving yields. However, the use of chloroalkanes in the alkylation of N-heterocyclesrequires more drastic conditions if results are to match those obtained with more reactivealkyl halides. The present paper describes a series of MW- or MW/US-promoted ILpreparations starting from chloroalkanes and classic heterocycles (1-methylimidazole,pyridine and 1-methylpyrrolidine). When reactions were carried out under conventionalheating in an oil bath they required longer reaction times and gave poorer yields. ¹H-NMRanalysis and ion-exchange chromatography showed that the present solventless procedureafforded ILs of satisfactory purity. The observed high yields (usually 70-98% isolated),and short reaction times showed that a straightforward access to ILs can be also achievedwith the use of alkyl chlorides, resulting in a considerable reduction of costs.

An overview on the application of ultrasound in several chemical reactions is given. Ultrasound is used in the preparation of catalysts for various reactions, i.e. dehydration reactions. The beneficial effect of ultrasound results in clean reactions and short reaction times. Criteria for scale-up are also discussed.