A new di-μ-oxo bis[oxovanadium(V)] complex containing Schiff base ligand derived from 1,2-diaminopropane and 2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxyacetophenone: Synthesis, structure and catalytic properties

New dioxovanadium(V) complex bearing tridentate ligand of 1:1 condensation of 1,2-propylenediamine and 2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxyacetophenone has been synthesized and characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The single-crystal structure of the complex shows that each vanadium(V) ion is six-coordinate through three bonds to oxo groups and through bonds to the tridentate Schiff base ligand. The title complex is used as catalyst for the selective epoxidation of cyclooctene. The catalytic system described here is an efficient and inexpensive method for the oxidation of olefins, with the advantages of high activity, selectivity, and short reaction time.