Ionic‐Liquid‐Influenced Expeditious and Stereoselective Synthesis of Olefins

Abstract 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloroaluminate, [bmim]Cl·.AlCl3 (molar fraction, N=0.67), ionic liquid has been used in combination with metallic Zn for the reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds to synthesize symmetrical olefins, with the Z‐isomer formed predominantly. The ionic liquid played a dual role of Lewis acid catalyst and solvent.