Heterogenization of chiral molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes on mesoporous materials and their application in catalysis

Optically active molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes bearing hydrosalen derivatives as ligands were synthesized, grafted on the surface of MCM-41 and MCM-48 and examined as catalysts for asymmetric epoxidation. In case of cis-β-methylstyrene and trans-β-methylstyrene moderate enantiomeric excesses of up to 31% can be reached when the reaction is carried out at room temperature. The catalysts can also be applied for non-chiral oxidation reactions.