Co2 +-exchanged SAPO-5 and SAPO-34 as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for aerobic epoxidation of alkenes

Co-SAPO-5 and Co-SAPO-34 were prepared by a simple ion-exchange route and firstly applied in the aerobic epoxidation of alkenes. Both catalysts exhibited high activities in the epoxidation of alkenes with air to achieve 92.0–91.9 mol% conversion with the epoxide selectivity of 89.5–90.5% for styrene, 71.6–80.0 mol% conversion with 94.8–95.0% selectivity for α-pinene, and 95.3–96.8 mol% conversion with 75.2–73.6% selectivity for α-methyl styrene. Recycling studies and control experiments showed the recyclability and stability of Co-SAPO-5 and Co-SAPO-34 as heterogeneous catalysts.

Graphical abstractCo-SAPO-5 and Co-SAPO-34 prepared by a simple ion-exchange method, displayed highly catalytic activity for the epoxidation of styrene, α-methyl styrene and α-pinene with air.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Co-SAPO-5 and Co-SAPO-34 are firstly applied in the aerobic epoxidation of alkenes. ► Two catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance. ► These solids are highly stable heterogeneous catalysts.