Mn(II)-Schiff base complex anchored in MCM-41 matrix as a heterogeneous catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes

Heterogeneous catalyst containing manganese Schiff base complex is produced by covalent anchoring Schiff base complex in MCM-41. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), inductivity coupled plasma (ICP) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and N2 sorbtion-desorbtion isotherm. The results confirmed that the complex was successfully immobilized in MCM-41 matrix. The obtained catalyst was used in the epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a green oxidant in the presence of imidazole as co-catalyst in ethanol. Furthermore, the effect of various parameters such as reaction time, amount of catalyst, oxidant and imidazole have been investigated. The catalyst reusability was investigated. Our result reveals that this catalyst shows high catalytic activity in the epoxidation of alkenes.