A novel Brφnsted acidic ionic liquid(IL) based on the cyclic guanidinium cation has been synthesized. This IL,as a strong Brφnsted acid catalyst or solvent, shows high catalytic activity and biphsaic behavor in the esterifications of carboxylic acids and alcohols. The produced esters as a separate phase can be conveniently decanted out from the IL and the IL is recyclable without any loss of catalytic activity.