Olefin epoxidation catalyzed by Schiff base molybdenum (VI) complexes immobilized onto zirconium poly (styrene-phenylvinylphosphonate)-phosphate

Schiff base molybdenum (VI) complexes were immobilized onto a novel polymer–inorganic hybrid support-zirconium poly (styrene-phenylvinylphosphonate)-phosphate (ZPS-PVPA). The immobilized catalysts were well characterized by IR, BET, XPS, SEM and TEM. Compared with other heterogeneous catalysts known from the relative literatures, the as-prepared heterogeneous catalysts showed comparable or even higher conversion and chemical selectivity, which was mainly attributed to the special structure and composition of ZPS-PVPA. Moreover, the supported catalysts were easily recovered by simple filtration and could be reused at least ten times with little loss of activity.

Graphical AbstractSchiff base molybdenum (VI) complexes were immobilized onto a novel polymer–inorganic hybrid support-zirconium poly (styrene-phenylvinylphosphonate)-phosphate (ZPS-PVPA). The immobilized catalysts were well characterized by IR, BET, XPS, SEM and TEM. Compared with other heterogeneous catalysts known from the relative literatures, the as-prepared heterogeneous catalysts showed comparable or even higher conversion and chemical selectivity, which was mainly attributed to the special structure and composition of ZPS-PVPA. Moreover, the supported catalysts were easily recovered by simple filtration and could be reused at least ten times with little loss of activity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Polystyrene–zirconium phosphate composite material (ZPS-PVPA) has special new characteristics, such as possessing caves, holes, micropores, channels and secondary channels with various sizes and shapes.
► Immobilized Schiff base molybdenum complexes show a promising application potential for epoxidation of unfunctionalized olefins.
► Our catalysts were easily recovered by simple filtration and could be reused at least ten times with little loss of activity.