4-Aminobenzylidene derivatives are very important synthetic intermediates. A fast and green protocol for the one-pot multi-component reaction of 4-halobenzaldehyde, active methylene compounds and secondary amines was developed using a basic ionic liquid, 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium hydroxide, [bm Im]OH, as catalyst, reagent and reaction medium. All the corresponding 4-aminobenzylidene-scaffold derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields. The [bm Im]OH could be reused. Moreover, the structures of a...