Facile Synthesis of Novel Polyethyleneimine Functionalized Polymeric Protic Ionic Liquids (PolyE‐ILs) with Protagonist Properties for Acid Catalysis

Abstract Polyethyleneimine (PEI), a potent architecture backbone was explored for the synthesis of novel polymeric ionic liquids (PolyE‐ILs) with protagonist properties. The simple quaternization of PEI dendrimer with Bronsted acids (H 2 SO 4 , H 3 PO 4 , CH 3 SO 3 H, CF 3 COOH and TsOH) leads to formation of series of protic PolyE‐ILs with corresponding counter anions [HSO 4 ] − , [H 2 PO 4 ] − , [CH 3 SO 3 ] − , [CF 3 COO] − and [TsO] − . The physicochemical properties of synthesized PolyE‐ILs were studied by using TGA, Hammett acidity, hydrodynamic radii, solubility, and elemental analysis. PolyE‐ILs showed characteristic Hammett acidity (0.94–1.78), good thermal stability (<250 °C) and enhanced hydrodynamic radii. However, use of PolyE‐IL can be promoted for their wide applications as an acid catalysts. The reported PolyE‐IL‐1 with sulfonic acid counter ion was explored as catalyst for esterification of (E)‐cinnamic acids and it showed good catalytic activity. The enhanced hydrodynamic radii due to the branched architecture of PEI dendrimers facilities the separation process via Nanofiltration (NF) membrane with no membrane fouling. Thus, PolyE‐ILs can be highly active, easily recoverable, and reusable catalyst for esterification reactions with superior sustainability and economics. In addition to this the present one pot PolyE‐IL synthesis process is non‐complex and simple as compared to conventional post polymerization, ion exchange, and nucleophilic addition etc., strategies for synthesis of PILs.