Epoxidation of olefins with O2 and isobutyraldehyde catalyzed by cobalt (II)-containing zeolitic imidazolate framework material

Co-containing zeolitic imidazolate framework material (Co-ZIF) was prepared and its catalytic performance in the aerobic epoxidation of olefins using isobutyraldehyde as reductant under mild conditions was first studied. Co-ZIF was characterized by XRD, FT-IR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. It showed good performance in the epoxidation of olefins, with 100% conversion, 98.5% selectivity and 638.3 turnover frequency for the epoxidation of cyclooctene. Co-ZIF could be reused for 5 times without loss of its catalytic activity and the structure of the recovered catalyst was almost unchanged compared to that of the fresh one.

Graphical abstractCo-ZIF material was first used as catalyst for the epoxidation of olefins. And relatively high conversion, selectivity and TOFepo were obtained. Co-ZIF could be reused for 5 times without noticeable loss of activity. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Co-ZIF material was first used as catalyst for the epoxidation of olefins. ► Relatively high conversion, selectivity and TOFepo were obtained. ► The structure of Co-ZIF was almost unchanged after 5 cycles.