CH3ReO3/H2O2 in room temperature ionic liquids:: an homogeneous recyclable catalytic system for the Baeyer-Villiger reaction

The Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones can be effected by methyltrioxorhenium/hydrogen peroxide in the ionic liquid [bmim]BF4. After simple extraction of the lactone with diethyl ether, the catalyst can be repeatedly recycled and efficiently reused for the lactonisation process in the same reaction medium. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.