The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between imidate 1 derived from diethyl aminomalonate and 2-ethoxybenzaldehyde 2 as dipolarophile has been investigated in various air and moisture stable ionic liquids. Significant rate enhancements and improved yields at 70 degrees C have been observed with [emim][BF4] and [emim][NfO] ionic liquids. The reactivity of dipolarophiles covalently grafted on the ionic liquids were also evaluated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.