Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,2-benzisoxazole derivatives in ionic liquid

A simple, highly efficient and environmentally benign method for the efficient conversion of 2-hydroxyalkyl/aryl ketoximes to 1,2-benzisoxazoles in the presence of catalytic amount of basic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([bmim]OH) carried out under the influence of microwave irradiation. This method gives remarkable advantages such as short reaction times (30-60 sec), simple work-up procedure and excellent yields (85-96%). The ionic liquid was successfully reused for four cycles without significant loss of activity.