Cyclopentadienyl molybdenum complexes grafted on zeolites – synthesis and catalytic application

η5-CpMo(CO)3Cl is grafted on H-zeolite-ß (H-ß) and H-zeolite-Y (H-Y) by the reaction of acidic protons with chloro-ligand. The XRD pattern of the zeolites after grafting remains intact and there is no additional peak obtained, indicating the absence of Mo oxide cluster formation during the grafting process. The successful grafting of intact CpMo(CO)3 moieties is evidenced by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Elemental analysis further reveals that H-Y zeolite shows higher Mo complex loading. The obtained heterogeneous materials are found to be efficient and recyclable catalysts for olefin epoxidation.