Aerobic epoxidation of olefins catalyzed by MgO-polysilazane-metal complexes

Co, Fe, Ni anti Cu complexes of MgO-supported polysilazane were prepared an d found to be able to catalyze the aerobic epoxidation of long-chain olefin s to give corresponding epoxy-alkanes in the presence of an aldehyde (as re ductant) under mild conditions. When the Co complex catalyst was used for t he aerobic oxidation of 1-octene to give 1,2-epoxy-hexane, the yield and se lectivity could achieve 92% and 100% respectively at 70 degrees C and under 1-atm of O-2. The catalyst was very stable, and could be reused several ti mes without any appreciable change in catalytic activity. Copyright (C) 199 9 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.