African Journal of
Pure and Applied Chemistry

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Pure Appl. Chem.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0840
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJPAC
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 368

Full Length Research Paper

Highly efficient epoxidation of olefins with hydrogen peroxide oxidant using modified silver polyoxometalate catalysts

Emmanuel Tebandeke
  • Emmanuel Tebandeke
  • Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
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Henry Ssekaalo
  • Henry Ssekaalo
  • Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
  • Google Scholar
Ola F. Wendt
  • Ola F. Wendt
  • Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P. O. Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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  •  Accepted: 31 January 2013
  •  Published: 28 February 2013

Abstract

The catalytic epoxidation of olefins is an important reaction in chemical industry since epoxides are versatile and important intermediates in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The current epoxidation procedures often use stoichiometric organic and sometimes toxic inorganic oxidants that are less favourable from an environmental and economical point of view. In contrast to such processes, catalytic epoxidation processes employing H2O2 oxidant are preferred for green processing. Herein is reported a highly efficient green process for the epoxidation of olefins using H2Ooxidant and modified silver polyoxometalate catalysts at 65°C. The preparation and activity of the catalysts are described. The method enjoys >90% conversion and ≥99% selectivity to the epoxide for a variety of cyclic and linear olefins including terminal ones. The catalysts are easily recovered by filtration and are reusable several times.

 

Key words: Epoxidation, olefins, hydrogen peroxide, polyoxometalate, silver catalysts.