The conversion of 1,omega-dialcohols (C-6-C-16) to dihalides-clibromides and diiodides-was successfully obtained in the couple "PTSA/1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids" (OMIM/X, BMIM/X; i-PMIM/X) for 2 h at 110degreesC. The dihalogenation was improved by the use of microwaves irradiation. The "PTSA-ionic liquid"-couple was regenerated and reused. The kinetics of halogenation of fatty dialcohols confirmed the A2 (or SN2c) mechanism in which monohalogenation was four-fold faster than dihalogenation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.