Direct oxidative esterification of benzaldehydes and benzylalcohols using task-specific imidazolium based perchlorate ionic liquid

Imidazolium perchlorate task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) were used for in-situ oxidation esterification of benzaldehydes and benzylalcohols in reaction with alcohols. CO₂H functional group containing TSIL show dual role as catalyst and reaction media toward oxidative esterifications. Excellent yields of esters could be obtained for a series of benzaldehydes and benzylalcohols via the reaction with alcohols. This reaction can be regarded as a new method for the efficient oxidation esterification of benzaldehydes and benzylalcohols under mild catalyst and solvent-free conditions.