10.1039/c3nj00115f
The research focuses on the synthesis and application of dimeric μ-oxo bridged molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes as catalysts for the epoxidation of internal and terminal alkenes. The purpose of this study was to develop highly active and selective homogeneous molybdenum catalysts that are stable towards air and water, and to evaluate their catalytic behavior in the epoxidation of various alkenes using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. The researchers synthesized tridentate phenol-based amine ligands (HL1–HL4) and their corresponding molybdenum complexes (1–3), which were found to be stable and active in catalyzing the epoxidation of alkenes, yielding moderate to good results with high selectivities. The conclusions drawn from the study were that the OMe-based complex 1 was more active than its NMe2-based counterparts (complexes 2 and 3), and that these complexes were effective in converting terminal and internal alkenes, including challenging substrates like 1-octene and styrene, into the corresponding epoxides. However, the catalytic activity of complex 1 could not surpass that of a previously reported dimeric complex by Gon?alves and coworkers. The chemicals used in the process included [MoO2(acac)2], various ligands (HL1–HL4), TBHP, and solvents such as methanol, chloroform, and acetonitrile.
Xi; 
Xn
