A novel CuCl2/BIL catalyst for direct oxidation of alcohol to acid at ambient temperature

► An efficient, novel CuCl2/ BIL for the selective conversion of alcohols to acid. ► This method works efficiently for the selective oxidation of both aromatic aliphatic. ► In general, the process is simple, environmentally benign and cost effective. ► The procedure is easy and does not require special precautions. ► BIL was separated and reused for few runs without loss of its catalytic activity.