Mild oxidation of alcohols with O-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride and water.

[reaction: see text] A mild, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure for the oxidation of alcohols with IBX in ionic liquid [bmim]Cl and water has been developed. Simply stirring of a solution of the alcohol and IBX in [bmim]Cl/water at room temperature followed by extraction with ether or ethyl acetate and removal of the solvent gives excellent yields of the corresponding carbonyl compounds. Recycling and reuse of the oxidant and ionic liquid have also been reported.