New terpyridine W(VI) complex on magnetite as a recoverable catalyst in epoxidation of olefins

In this research, MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were modified with a terpyridine based complex of oxo-diperoxo W(VI). The novel MFO@Phttpy-WO(O2)2 was characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The magnetically MFO@Phttpy-WO(O2)2 nanocatalyst was assessed for the selective epoxidation of various olefins using tert- butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP 5.0–6.0 M in nonane) as an oxidant under solvent-free condition. The desired catalyst showed the excellent activity for the epoxidation internal alkene same as cyclooctene (> 99% in 30 min), cyclohexene (95% in 30 min), styrol (99% in 30 min) and α-pinene (96% in 60 min). Additionally, the catalyst presented suitable recoverability at least 5 successive runs without obvious decrease in selectivity towards epoxides.