1-Methyl-3-butylimidazolium Decatungstate in Ionic Liquid: An Efficient Catalyst for the Oxidation of Alcohols

An excellent system for the selective oxidation of ­benzylic and secondary alcohols with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by 1methyl-3-butylimidazolium decatungstate in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid is described. The catalytic system is reusable and products are obtained in excellent yield under environmentally benign conditions.