Pronounced catalytic activity of oxo-vanadium(IV) Schiff base complexes in the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene by tert-butyl hydroperoxide

A practical catalytic method for efficient oxidation of olefins using tert-butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by N2O2 tetradentate Schiff base–VO(IV) complexes has been developed. Using these catalytic systems for the oxidation of cyclooctene gives the epoxide as the sole product with yields up to 98% while oxidation of styrene produce styrene oxide and benzaldehyde as major products in excellent yields (100%). The efficiency of the catalysts is strongly influenced by the nature of solvent, reaction time, temperature, tert-butyl hydroperoxide concentration and also catalyst concentration.

Graphical abstractA practical catalytic method for efficient oxidation of olefins using tert-butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by N2O2 tetradentate Schiff base–VO(IV) complexes has been developed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide