Mannich synthesis of acetylenic amino alcohols in aqueous ionic liquids

Terminal alkynols react with formaldehyde and secondary amines in aqueous ionic liquid [emim]HSO₄^– in the presence of Cu(OAc)₂ to afford the corresponding 1-(α-hydroxyalkyl)- or 1-(β-hydroxyalkyl)-2-(aminomethyl)acetylenes in better yields in comparison with the reaction in conventional organic solvents. The catalytic system can be easily recovered and recycled.