Ruthenium-catalyzed allylic substitution reactions from unsymmetrical allylic carbonates have been demonstrated to proceed in the ionic liquid 1-hexill-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([hdmim][PF6]) under neutral conditions with very good conversion and regioselectivity, and high level of recyclability of the solvent/catalyst system. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.