The dual role of ionic liquid BmimBF4, precursor of N-heterocyclic carbene and solvent, in the oxidative esterification of aldehydes

Room temperature ionic liquid BmimBF4 (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) has been utilized in the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed oxidation of aldehydes to yield esters. In the presence of MnO2 as oxidant and of DBU and caesium carbonate as bases, aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic esters have been isolated in good to excellent yields. The recyclability of the used ionic liquid along with the excess of inorganic reagents has been proved. The simple and cheap BmimBF4 ionic liquid played the dual role of precatalyst and solvent. This is the first time that such a reaction has been carried out with an ionic liquid as solvent.