Reductive cyclization is conducted using composite dispersion of polymerized ionic liquid and carbon nanoparticles serving as a supporting electrolyte.
Tedious isolation procedure is bypassed entirely, and ca. 93% recovery of the composite electrolyte is achieved via filtration.
Slower electrohydrocyclization leading to a 6-membered ring allows time for the polymeric cation portion of the PIL to compete with the substrate for access to the cathode.
An increase in the weight percentage of carbon nanoparticles leads to an increase in the surface area of the electrode, allowing access by the substrate with the attendant improvement in product yield.