The first part of this lecture will deal with the catalytic aerobic oxidation of phenols to quinones. A well defined catalytically active ionic liquid containing oxocuptate cluster anions serves as the catalyst towards vitamine K3 or an important intermediate in industrial vitamin E synthesis. Ionic liquids displaying cupronium(I) cations and cuprate(I) anions can be used in a supported ionic liquid phase catalyst (SILP) approach to dimethyl carbonate, a great white hope compound of green chemistry. Finally the lecture will focus on our recent development of urethane synthesis via cobalt complex catalysed oxidative (aerobic) carbonylation of aniline derivatives. Mechanistic aspects will be addressed.