Immobilized molybdenum–Schiff base complex on the surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes as a new heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst

•Multiwalled carbon nanotube was modified with a molybdenum-Schiff base complex.•The molybdenum complex was immobilized to the surface through covalent attachment.•The prepared nanomaterial acts as an efficient catalyst in epoxidation of olefins.

We report a new well dispersed molybdenum–Schiff base complex covalently attached to the surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Nitrogen adsorption–desorption (BET) analysis of the prepared hybrid nanomaterial revealed that the textural characteristics of the support were preserved during the grafting experiments despite sequential reduction in surface area and pore volume. The prepared nanomaterial showed good performance and stability in the catalytic epoxidation of olefins with tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) under mild reaction conditions.

Graphical abstractNew epoxidation catalyst was prepared from immobilizing molybdenum–Schiff base complex through the mediation of aminopropylsilyl groups on the surface of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide