Multi-wall carbon nanotubes supported molybdenyl acetylacetonate: Efficient and highly reusable catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Efficient epoxidation of olefins catalyzed by MoO2(acac)2 supported on amines functionalized MWCNTs is reported. The MWCNTs bearing carboxylic acid groups were modified with 2-aminophenol and 2-aminothiophenol. These amine–MWCNTs act as bidentate ligand for attachment of Mo catalyst. These catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR and diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopic methods. The prepared catalysts were used for efficient epoxidation of different alkenes such as cyclic and linear ones with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane. These heterogeneous catalysts can be reused several times without significant loss of their catalytic activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Supporting of molybdenyl acetylacetonate on amine-modified MWCNTs. ► Heterogeneous catalysts were prepared. ► These catalysts were highly efficient in the epoxidation of alkenes with TBHP. ► Makes the catalysts reusable.