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Insights are provided into the properties of molecular gels formed by diimidazolium salts both in 'normal' solvents and ionic liquids. These materials can be interesting for applications in green and sustainable chemistry in which ionic liquids play a significant role, like catalysis and energy. In particular, two positional isomers of a diimidazolium cation have been examined with a wide range of anions for their ability to form gel phases. In particular, di-, tri-, and tetravalent anions bearing aliphatic or aromatic spacers were paired with the divalent cations. The properties of the organo- and ionogels formed have been analyzed by means of several different techniques, including calorimetry, rheology, resonance light scattering, UV/Vis absorption, polarizing optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction measurements. The investigations performed enabled us to obtain a wide range of conductive materials characterized by a high thermal stability and a low corrosiveness of the gelator (organogels) or of both gelator and solvent (ionogels). The information gained should be useful in the broader quest to identify and promote their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis(imidazolium)-tagged 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) catalysts were adsorbed on different supports such as silica gel, silica gel modified with highly cross-linked polymeric imidazolium networks, and highly cross-linked polymeric imidazolium networks entrapping magnetic particles. These systems provided a convenient tool for the oxidation of both primary and secondary alcohols working as recyclable reservoirs for the bis(imidazolium)-tagged TEMPO catalysts. By using EPR spectroscopy it was demonstrated that the catalyst was released as the corresponding oxoammonium salt in the solution during the recycling step, thus promoting the oxidative process in a homogeneous fashion. After solvent removal, the catalyst was readsorbed on the support allowing an easy recovery and recycle of the catalytic material up to 13 consecutive cycles with no loss in activity. The bis(imidazolium)-tagged TEMPO catalyst could be used in only 1 mol % both for the oxidation of benzylic and aliphatic alcohols. The catalytic material was highly recyclable if used on silica or imidazolium-modified silica gel in 10 mol % loading. Loading could be scaled down to 1 mol % and the catalyst proved to be recyclable up to 8 cycles only with imidazolium-modified silica gel. Such a 'catalyst-sponge-like' system permits to combine the benefits of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of clay minerals as catalyst is renowned since ancient times. Among the different clays used for catalytic purposes, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) represent valuable resources for industrial applications. This special tubular clay possesses high stability and biocompatibility, resistance against organic solvents, and most importantly be available in large amounts at a low cost. Therefore, HNTs can be efficiently used as catalysts themselves or supports for metal nanoparticles in several catalytic processes. This review reports a comprehensive overview of the relevant advances in the use of halloysite in catalysis, focusing the attention on the last five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Recyclable Catalyst Reservoir: Oxidation of Alcohols Mediated by Noncovalently Supported Bis(imidazolium)-Tagged 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-Oxyl" by Renato Noto, Marco Lucarini, Hazi Ahmad Beejapur and colleagues is presented.

Abstract: Microwave assisted halloysite (HNT) external surface functionalization with ionic liquids is described. HNTs modification was achieved in two steps: a) grafting of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane on the external surface of HNT by a microwave irradiation; b) anchorage of vinylimidazolium ionic liquids by a thiol-ene reaction. MW irradiation allowed us to obtain high loading onto the HNT surface compared to those obtained through conventional synthesis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that the grafting has occurred only on the external surface of HNT. Turbidimetric and dynamic light scattering analyses showed that the introduction of ionic liquid on the HNT surface involves the formation of aggregates. One of these materials has been used as support for Palladium particles and tested, as catalyst, in the Suzuki reaction between phenylboronic acid and some aryl halide to give the corresponding biaryl in high yield. A catalytic efficiency higher than conventionally used support was achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Review: 75 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for chiral catalysts recycling, based on the supported ionic liquid asymmetric catalysis concept, has been developed. This concept involves the treatment of a monolayer of covalently attached ionic liquid on the surface of silica gel with additional ionic liquid. These layers serve as the reaction phase in which the homogeneous chiral catalyst is dissolved. As first application of this concept the L-proline-catalyzed aldol reaction has been carried out. Good yields and ee values, comparable with those obtained under homogeneous conditions have been obtained. Moreover, this material shows high regenerability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aryl iodides are coupled with conversions comparable to aryl bromides whereas conversions of aryl chlorides are significantly lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterisation of the catalyst is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]