Epoxidation of terminal or electron-deficient olefins with H2O2, catalysed by Mn-trimethyltriazacyclonane complexes in the presence of an oxalate buffer

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00396-7

A catalytic amount of an oxalate/oxalic acid buffer strongly enhances the catalytic properties of Mn-tmtacn complexes for epoxidation reactions with H₂O₂. Especially terminal olefins are easily epoxidized. Yields for e.g. allyl acetate or 1-hexene reach up to 99 % and 65 % on olefin and peroxide basis respectively. The reaction is stereospecific; there are no products of solvolysis.