Heterogenization of [Ti(η5-C5HMe4)Cl3] on to MCM-41 and organomodified MCM-41 to form epoxidation catalyst

► The immobilization of tetramethylmonocyclopentadienyl trichloride titanium complex in mesoporous silica has been presented. ► This work demonstrates the possibility to tailor the precise structure of the catalyst's active site from the chemical modification on the surface of the support via silanization of the silica surface. ► This transformation allows the introduction of hydroxy triazine functionalities, the increase of the hydrophobic character of the silica and the modulation of the steric requirements, so that the loading of titanium on the material can be varied. ► The materials can be used as epoxidation catalyst as a result of its rigid immobilization with a pseudotetrahedral geometry, which is often cited as a requirement for heterogeneous epoxidation catalysis on Ti centers. ► The conversion values are moderated, being the olefin trend reactivity 1-octene >cyclohexene > styrene.