Expedient synthesis of symmetric aryl ketones and of ambient-temperature molten salts of imidazole

A short procedure for the synthesis of 2,2-di(3-thienyl)1,3-dioxolan is des cribed. The route developed is convenient (only two synthetic and one chrom atographic steps are required) and efficient (66% overall yield from 3-brom othiophene). This compound was transformed into the ketone, cyclopenta[2,1- b:3',4'-b']dithhiophen-3-one by a known process. Optimized syntheses of sym metric aryl ketones, 1-alkyl-3-metylimidazolium and 1-alkyl-2-methyl-3-meth ylimidazolium liquid salts are also reported.