Benzimidazole-functionalized dendrons as molybdenum supports for selective epoxidation catalysis

Novel, benzimidazole-functionalized dendrons of successive generations (G0-G2) were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopic and MS spectrometric techniques. Immobilization of Mo on these dendrons leads to oxidatively stable, highly efficient and selective catalysts for epoxidation of cyclohexene with t-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. A unique feature of the dendritic Mo complex catalysts is their heterogeneous nature, which facilitates their recuperation.