Manganese dioxide allylic and benzylic oxidation reactions in ionic liquids

Ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmIm][BF4] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [bmIm][PF6] were evaluated as reaction media for allylic and benzylic oxidation reactions using manganese dioxide. The use of ionic liquids as an extractant in the reaction work-up was also investigated. Procedures for recycling of the [bmIm][PF6] ionic liquids used in these MnO2 oxidation reactions were also developed.