Reusable ionic liquid-catalyzed oxidative coupling of azoles and benzylic compounds via sp3 C–N bond formation under metal-free conditions

The heterocyclic ionic liquid-catalyzed direct oxidative amination of benzylic sp3 C–H bonds via intermolecular sp3 C–N bond formation for the synthesis of N-alkylated azoles under metal-free conditions is reported for the first time. The catalyst 1-butylpyridinium iodide can be recycled and reused with similar efficacies for at least eight cycles.