Epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by 1-methyl-3-butylimidazoliumdecatungstate in ionic liquid

The epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by a new tungsten catalyst 1-methyl-3-butylimidazoliumdecatungstate in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid is described. The epoxides are obtained in high yield, catalyst can be recycled and the reaction conditions are simple and environmentally benign.