Epoxidation of Olefins Catalyzed by Some cis-Dioxomolybdenum(VI)-Tridentate Schi Base Complexes with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide

Abstract

Some cis-dioxomolybdenum (VI) complexes with tridentate Schi base ligands derived from salicylaldehyde and aminophenols, aminoalcohol or o-aminobenzenethiol were examined as catalysts for epoxidation of di erent aliphatic and aromatic ole ns, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. All complexes exhibited high activity and selectivity for epoxidation of aliphatic substrates during a short time period (95% conversion of cyclooctene after 30 min). The epoxide yield increased with the nucleophilic character of ole n. The catalysts activation strongly depends on the reaction temperature and nature of the solvent. Epoxidation of ole ns by these catalysts is inhibited by ligands or coordinating solvents such as alcohols.