Novel 1,3-disulfonic acid imidazolium hydrogen sulfate, a halogen-free ionic liquid, is a recyclable and eco-benign catalyst for the trimethylsilyl protection of hydroxyl groups at room temperature under solvent free conditions to afford trimethylsilanes in excellent yields (92-100%) and in very short reaction times (1-5 min). Deprotection of the resulting trimethylsilanes can also be achieved using the same catalyst in methanol. The catalyst was characterized by IR. H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and MS studies. All the products were extensively characterized by IR, H-1 NMR, MS, and elemental and melting point analyses. This new method consistently has the advantages of excellent yields and short reaction times. Further, the catalyst can be recovered and reused for several times without loss of activity. The work-up of the reaction consists of a simple separation, followed by concentration of the crude product and purification. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.