Catalysis Letters, Vol.131, No.1-2, 105-113, 2009
Epoxidation of Cyclohexene with Air over the Composite Catalysts of Mn-mont Coordinated with Ligands
The catalytic activity of the composite catalysts of Mn-mont (where mont represents montmorillonite) coordinated with ligands for the epoxidation of cyclohexene by air under Mukaiyama conditions was studied. The composite catalysts were characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis, elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectra, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet visible spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, powder-X-ray-diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The effects of various reaction conditions on the catalytic reaction were studied. Experimental results indicated that the catalysts performed excellent activity for the epoxidation of cyclohexene by air. Repeated runs indicate that the catalyst is stable for 3 cycles. The composite catalysts of Mn-mont coordinated with ligands are economical and environmentally friendly for the epoxidation of cyclohexene.