A biomimetic tris-imidazole/Mn(II) system for homogeneous catalytic epoxidation of olefins with H2O2

► A new biomimetic ligand has been synthesized which bears two imine-groups and three imidazole residues. ► The complexes formed by its association with Mn(II) have been evaluated as oxidation catalysts for the epoxidation of simple olefins with H2O2. ► The enhanced reactivity of this catalytic system is attributable to the structure of the ligand which combines structural features as Schiff base imine-groups and imidazole rings.