Homogeneous epoxidation of lipophilic alkenes by aqueous hydrogen peroxide: catalysis of a Keggin-type phosphotungstate-functionalized ionic liquid in amphipathic ionic liquid solution

The ionic liquid compositions (ILC) composed of the Keggin-type phosphotungstate-functionalized ionic liquid of [Dopy](3)[PW12O40] (1) and the amphipathic IL mixture of [Bpy]BF4 and [Dopy]BF4, were constructed as an effective catalytic system and ideal reaction medium for alkene epoxidation by aqueous H2O2, in which the real homogeneous catalysis was fulfilled with advantages of high activity, simplified work-up and available recyclability. The designing concept of the ILC and the IL effect on the activity/stability were discussed herein.