Water-soluble imidazolium-functionalized Cu(ii) complex as a recyclable catalyst for allylic and benzylic oxidation

Abstract

A water-soluble imidazolium-functionalized Cu(II) catalyst, used in combination with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), enables benzylic and allylic oxidations in H₂O. The reaction proceeds under green conditions, open to air, at moderate temperatures, yielding moderate to high conversion across a broad range of substrates. The catalyst is easily recovered and can be used in subsequent reactions up to 8 times without a significant decrease in yield.