Synthesis of new chiral Mn(iii)–salen complexes as recoverable and reusable homogeneous catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of styrenes and chromenes

New chiral Mn( iii )–salen complexes 1a–e and 2a–e were synthesized from the reaction of C 2 -symmetric chiral salen ligands and Mn(CH 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O under an inert atmosphere followed by aerobic oxidation.