Synthesis of a cardanol-amine derivative using an ionic liquid catalyst

Cardanol is a biobased raw material derived from cashew nut shell liquid. In order to extend its utility, new derivatives and additional applications are useful. In this work cardanol was first epoxidized, and a novel aniline derivative prepared from it under mild reaction conditions with the help of an ionic liquid catalyst. The reaction chemistry was studied by using nuclear magnetic reso- nance. The resulting aminohydrin adduct showed antiox- idant property and should also be a useful synthon for further reactions. As an example, the aminohydrin was shown to undergo a condensation reaction with formalde- hyde to form a prepolymer, which could be further reacted to form thermosetting resins.