Cyanuric chloride catalyzed Beckmann rearrangement of ketoximes in biodegradable ionic liquids

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) containing ester moieties in the side chain were successfully used as an alternative to traditional ILs in the Beckmann rearrangement of ketoximes catalyzed by 2,4,6-trichloro[1,3,5]triazine. The procedure is mild and suitable for both aromatic and cycloaliphatic substrates affording the rearrangement products in good to quantitative yields. The process is eco-sustainable since these ILs are biodegradable and in addition they can be recovered and reused. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.