Functionalization of oxo-vanadium(IV) acetylacetonate over modified MCM-41: an efficient reusable catalyst for epoxidation reaction

A new hybrid heterogeneous catalytic system has been developed by post synthesis grafting method. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES) has been first anchored over mesoporous silica materials MCM-41. Upon reaction with oxo-vanadium(IV) acetylacetonate amine groups of 3-APTES afford vanadium(IV) active centers in the mesoporous matrix. The prepared hybrid material has been characterized by UV-vis, infrared (IR) spectroscopic analysis, small-angle X-ray diffraction and N-2 sorption studies and employed in epoxidation reactions as a catalyst. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity towards epoxidation reaction with various olefinic compounds using tert-BuOOH as oxidant under mild reaction condition. The effect of different solvents on epoxidation reaction has also been studied.