Microwave-assisted epoxidation of styrene with molecular O2 over sulfated Co–Y–ZrO2 solid catalyst

The microwave-assisted styrene epoxidation reaction with molecular O2 as an oxidant was studied over a sulfated Co–Y-doped ZrO2 solid catalyst. The microwave irradiation (400 W) resulted in similar styrene conversion and styrene oxide selectivity, in reduced time, as compared to conventional thermal heating. Higher power (800 W) of microwave irradiation decreased the styrene oxide selectivity as well as leading to the formation of styrene glycol. DMF was found to be the most suitable solvent for epoxidation of styrene with molecular O2 under microwave irradiation and yielded maximum oxide selectivity (91%) at 120 °C. The microwave-assisted oxidation reaction resulted in time saving and is energy conserving method.