Tungstate ions (WO4=) supported on imidazolium framework as novel and recyclable catalyst for rapid and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Tungstate salt with imidazolium framework is found to be a recoverable and heterogeneous system favouring the highly selective oxidation of primary benzylic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes with 30% H₂O₂ as a green oxidant under neutral aqueous reaction conditions. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the recyclability of the catalyst, it was recovered and efficiently reused in seven succeeding reaction cycles without any significant loss. The use of green solvent, very short reaction time with excellent yields and recyclability of the catalyst make this protocol highly advantageous.