A Green Procedure for the Ionic Liquid Catalyzed Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols to Aldehydes or Ketones in Aqueous Media

A green oxidation of benzylic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones was achieved in aqueous media using ionic liquid/H2O2/HCl catalytic oxidation system. The procedure is mild, environment-friendly and simple. Ionic liquids can be successfully recovered and reused for the oxidation of the same (different) substance. The directing effect of the ionic liquid is supported by the good selectivities and yields. These reactions demonstrate the catalytic oxidation and phase transfer function of the ionic liquid is stronger than that without ionic liquid.