The combination of transfer hydrogenation reaction with the advantages of γ-valerolactone-based ionic liquids could result in an environmentally benign method for the reduction of organic substrates. Ionic liquids containing 4-hydroxyvalerate anion were applied as alternative solvents for the reduction of acetophenone, its substituted forms and different alkenes using transition metal based catalysts. The optimal conditions (e.g. type of catalyst precursor and hydrogen donor) for the transformation were also specified.