Preparation of pyridinium-based ionic liquid and application as a green catalyst for the synthetic route of 4H-1-benzopyran-5(6H)-ones

These reactions involved a condensation reaction of aromatic benzaldehydes, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, and dicyanomethane in a solvent mixture of ethanol and water, resulting in the desired products in moderate to good yields. The procedure is efficient and eco-friendly, and the products can be easily obtained by recrystallisation. Thus, this protocol offers an alternative to existing methods.