The micellar effect on a Diels-Alder reaction (DA) was analyzed taking advantage of the property presented by Ionic Liquids (ILs) based on 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations by having amphiphilic character when the alkyl group is a long hydrocarbon chain -12 carbon atoms [C₁₂mim]-. These ILs can act as surfactants forming micelles in aqueous solution.

The reactive system studied consists of nitrofuran and isoprene which allows obtaining benzofuran through green synthetic strategie.

These “new microheterogeneous systems” would allow a better solubilization of non-polar substrates and to adopt reaction conditions softer than the traditional thermal.