A novel approach towards solvent-free epoxidation of cyclohexene by Ti(IV)–Schiff base complex-intercalated LDH using H2O2 as oxidant

A novel heterogeneous catalyst has been developed by immobilizing Ti(IV)–Schiff base complex in Zn–Al/LDH by an ion-exchange method. Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–Visible spectroscopy, N2-adsorption and thermal studies confirm the successful intercalation of the Ti-complex within the LDH structure. The supported catalyst shows an excellent catalytic activity in cyclohexene epoxidation reaction. In this paper, we report an environmentally benign reaction pathway in a solvent-free condition, taking H2O2 as oxidant. As high as 95% conversion of cyclohexene took place at 70 °C in 6 h. The heterogeneous catalyst can be recovered easily and reused multiple times without significant loss in catalytic activity and selectivity, which is a better green alternative for practical applications.