Catalysis of TBHP oxidation of styrene and diphenylmethane by a supported cobalt(III)-oxo cluster

The supported catalyst produced by immobilising the cobalt(III)-oxo cluster Co4O4(O2CMe)4(py)4 on chemically modified mesoporous silica shows very good activity in the tert-butyl hydroperoxide oxidation of styrene and diphenylmethane. While complete conversion of styrene takes place to yield styrene epoxide at moderate selectivity, diphenylmethane is completely converted to obtain benzophenone at excellent selectivity.