A new ‘‘task-specific’’ ionic liquid (TSIL), 1, 1’-bis-methyl-3, 3’-methylene-bisimidazolium dicyanide, has been prepared and used for the first time as the medium as well as catalyst for the synthesis of a-hydroxy carbonyl group. Application of this ionic liquid in C–C bond formation reaction eliminates the use of the organic solvent, avoids the use of toxic materials and allows the recovery and re-use of the catalyst.
Task-specific ionic liquid, C-C formation, Benzoin Condensation