Controlling selectivity in catalysis: Selective greener oxidation of cyclohexene under microwave conditions

A smart and greener microwave approach to the selective oxidation of cyclohexene is reported whereby, depending on the reaction conditions, the epoxide (65% conversion, 75% selectivity), the enol (70% conversion, 80% selectivity) or the enone (>99% conversion, 89% selectivity) can be obtained in a short period of time ranging from 1 to 20 min. A cobalt-salen-SBA-15 material was employed as catalyst. The reported solventless microwave protocol was simple, greener and more efficient compared to any other reported cyclohexene oxidations.

Graphical abstractA smart and greener approach to the selective oxidation of cyclohexene is reported whereby, depending on the reaction conditions, the epoxide, the enol or the enone can selectively be obtained. A cobalt-salen-SBA-15 material was employed as catalyst. The reported protocol was simple, greener and more efficient compared to any reported cyclohexene oxidations.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide