Synthesis, structure and alkene epoxidation activity of an alternating phenoxido and formato bridged manganese(III)–salen complex

One new complex of Mn(III), {[Mn2(salen)2(HCOO)](ClO4)(1.5CH3OH)(0.5H2O)}n (1) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. It consists of dinuclear cationic units [Mn2(salen)2(HCOO)]+, joined together by weak Mn⋯O (phenoxido) interactions to form an alternating phenoxido- and formato-bridged 1D polymer. The complex acts as an efficient catalyst in the alkene ((E)-stilbene, styrene) epoxidation reaction in presence of the terminal oxidant PhIO in solvents CH3CN and CH2Cl2 independently and it retains its reactivity with high efficiency beyond three cycles.

Graphical abstractA new alternating phenoxido and formato bridged Mn(III)–salen based 1D polymer has been synthesised which shows high catalytic activity towards alkene epoxidation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► An alternating phenoxido and formato bridged Mn(III)–salen based complex. ► Formato bridged units are joined together by weak phenoxido and π–π interactions. ► High alkene epoxidation activity of this complex is observed.