A process for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound is described. The process includes oxidizing the alkyl-aromatic compound to produce a first oxidation product; contacting at least a portion of the first oxidation product, a solvent comprising an ionic liquid, a bromine source, a catalyst, and an oxidizing agent to produce a second product comprising a mother liquor and at least one of an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid; and adding at least a portion of the mother liquor in the contacting step.