Siloxane functionalized cyclopentadienyl-molybdenum complexes: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application

A series of compounds of the type CpMoR(CO)3 and RCpMo(CO)3CH3 (R = (CH2)3Si(OMe)3 or CH2Si(OEt)3), containing a (CH2)nSi(OR)3 functionality as a side chain, either fixed to the metal itself or to the cyclopentadienyl ligand are prepared and spectroscopically characterized. These molecules are applicable as precursors for both homogeneous and heterogeneous phase catalysts. Their homogeneous catalytic activity in the olefin epoxidation is in the same order of magnitude as that of their methyl and chloro analogues of the types CpMo(CO)3R and CpMo(CO)3Cl.