Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum(VI) complex on nano-SiO2: application nanocatalyst in epoxidation of olefins

The A novel organic–inorganic hybrid heterogeneous catalyst system was obtained from the reaction of the molybdenum(VI) complex [MoO2Cl2(DMSO)2] with nano-silica containing 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS) groups. Characterization of the functionalized materials by EDX analysis, FT-IR, ICP/OES and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals that the molybdenum complex is successfully grafted into the pores of the host nano-silica structure. Furthermore, nanocatalyst exhibited efficient activities in epoxidation of olefins with t-BuOOH as the oxygen source. EDX analysis of the nanocatalyst showed expected elements such as oxygen, silicon, carbon, nitrogen, chlorine and molybdenum. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curve of the nanocatalyst shows the multistep mass loss of the weight between 50-600 ºC. Decomposition of the organic part is within the range of 120-600 ºC.