Molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes for the epoxidation of allylic alcohols and olefins

Several molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes have been investigated as catalyst precursors for allylic alcohol epoxidation using mainly hydrogen peroxide. All catalysts proved to be efficient and selective for the epoxidation of allylic alcohols provided the olefins were electron rich. Electron poor substrates could be converted selectively into the corresponding unsaturated aldehyde.