BrФnsted acidic ionic liquids based on imidazolium cation were employed as efficient catalysts and mediums for the ring opening of phthalic anhydride to synthesize half-esters. Good yields, short reaction time and mild reaction condition were achieved. Lower acidity of ionic liquid resulted in higher catalytic selectivity in the synthesis of half-esters. The minimum-energy geometries of sulfonic acid-functionalized ionic liquids based on imidazolium cation revealed that their acidities and catalytic selectivity in the synthesis of half-esters were related to their structures. Brφnsted acidic ionic liquids based on imidazolium cation were employed as efficient catalysts and mediums for the ring opening of phthalic anhydride to synthesize half-esters. Good yields, short reaction time and mild reaction conditions were achieved. Lower acidity of ionic liquid resulted in higher catalytic selectivity in the synthesis of half-esters. The minimum-energy geometries of sulfonic acid-functionalized ionic liquids based on imidazolium cation revealed that their acidities and catalytic selectivity in the synthesis of half-esters were related to their structures.