Catalytic performance of Keplerate polyoxomolybdates in green epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

In this work, the catalytic perspective of three Keplerate polyoxometalates, Mo72M30 (M = V, Cr, Fe) in the epoxidation of various alkenes is considered. The catalytic reactions were performed in water under mild conditions and high to excellent conversions and selectivities were obtained using H2O2 as oxidant and Mo72Cr30 as the best catalyst. Keplerate POM catalysts have shown a very good recyclability, up to five times, without any appreciable decreases in catalytic activity and selectivity. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015.