A new magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst for epoxidation of olefins

In this work, a new magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst was developed by covalent binding of a Schiff base ligand, N,N′-bis(3-salicylidenaminopropyl)amine (salpr), on the surface of silica coated magnetite nanoparticles (SCMNPs) and followed complexation with MoO2(acac)2. Characterization of the prepared nanocatalyst was performed with different physicochemical methods such as FT-IR and atomic absorption spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Finally, catalytic activity of the prepared MoO2salpr/SCMNPs was examined in the epoxidation of olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP).

Graphical abstractFunctionalization of silica coated magnetite nanoparticles with a tetradentate salpr Schiff base ligand and subsequent complexation with molybdenum affords an easily recoverable truly heterogenized molybdenum nanocatalyst which is active and selective in catalytic epoxidation of olefins and allylic alcohols.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (112 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Silica coated magnetite nanoparticles were modified with a Schiff base ligand. ► Next reaction with MoO2(acac)2 afforded MoO2salpr/SCMNPs. ► The prepared MoO2salpr/SCMNPs was active in the epoxidation of olefins.