Direct Epoxidation of Olefins Catalyzed by Nickel(II) Complexes with Molecular Oxygen and Aldehydes

Abstract In the presence of a bis(1,3-diketonato)nickel(II) complex, various olefins are directly monooxygenated into the corresponding epoxides on treatment with atmospheric pressure of oxygen or air and aldehydes. Especially, it is noted that bis[1,3-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedionato]nickel(II) behaves as an excellent catalyst in the present epoxidation.