Synthesis of Novel Imidazolium and Benzimidazolium Salts from Halomethyl Derivatives of 4-Pyrones

A series of mono- and bis-benzimidazolium and imidazolium salts of 4-pyrone derivatives has been synthesized in good yields, by various quaternization reactions of halomethyl derivatives of 4H-pyran-4-ones. These salts can be used as novel precursors of functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes and some of them as novel ionic liquids.