Iron-based heterogeneous catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes using molecular oxygen

Abstract

Fe2+-exchanged NaY zeolite and Fe2+-containing compounds including Fe-3(PO4)(2) and Fe3O4 are efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the epoxidation of alkenes with molecular oxygen in the absence of a sacrificial reductant. Fe2+ cations existing in the supercages of zeolite Y or on the surface of the Fe2+-containing compounds probably function as the active sites for the epoxidation with O-2. The solvent plays a crucial role in the epoxidation, and the reactions catalyzed by these iron-based catalysts may proceed via a radical mechanism. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.