Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Catalytic Properties of Novel Dioxidomolybdenum(VI) Complexes with Tridentate Schiff Base Ligands in the Biomimetic and Highly Selective Oxygenation of Alkenes and Sulfides

Four novel dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO2(L-x)-(CH3OH)] have been synthesized, using 2[(E)-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylimino)methyl]phenol derivatives as tridentate ONO donor Schiff base ligands (H2Lx) and MoO2(acac)(2). A monoclinic space group was determined by X-ray crystallography from single-crystal data of a sample of these new complexes. The epoxidation of alkenes by using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides by urea hydrogen peroxide were efficiently enhanced with excellent selectivity under the catalytic influence these new Mo-VI complexes. The high efficiency and relative stability of the catalysts have been observed by turnover numbers and UV/Vis investigations. The electron-poor and bulky ligands promoted the effectiveness of the catalysts.