A novel cellulose supported ionic liquid phase catalyst containing hydroxide ions ([CellFemImi]OH) has been synthesized by covalent anchoring of 1-N-ferrocenylmethyl imidazole in the functionalized cellulose matrix followed by an anion metathesis reaction. The [CellFemImi]OH was characterized by various techniques including FT-IR, FT-Raman, 13C solid state NMR, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis. The [CellFemImi]OH was effectively employed as a heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of oxazolones by cyclocondensation of aryl aldehydes with hippuric acid in the presence of acetic anhydride.
