Oxidation of aromatic aldehydes and ketones by H2O2/CH3ReO3 in ionic liquids:: a catalytic efficient reaction to achieve dihydric phenols

A convenient and efficient application of hydrogen peroxide/methyltrioxorhenium in ionic liquids [bmim]BF4 and [bmim]PF6 for the oxidation of hydroxylated and methoxylated benzaldehydes and acetophenones to the corresponding phenols is described. Good yields of products were obtained in short reaction times. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.