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.