Dioxomolybdenum(VI) and -tungsten(VI) Complexes with Multidentate Aminobisphenol Ligands as Catalysts for Olefin Epoxidation

The synthesis of four molybdenum and tungsten complexes bearing tetradentate tripodal amino bisphenolate ligands with either hydroxyethylene (1a) or hydroxyglycolene (1b) substituents is reported. The molybdenum dioxo complexes [MoO2L] (L = 2a, 2b) and tungsten complexes [WO2L] (3a, 3b) were synthesized using [MoO2(acac)(2)] and [W(eg)(3)] (eg = 1,2-ethanediolato, ethylene glycolate), respectively, as precursors. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic means as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The latter reveal, in all cases, hexacoordinate complexes in which the hydrogen atom of the hydroxy group is involved in hydrogen bonding with one of the metal oxo groups. In the case of the glycol substituent, the ether oxygen atom is coordinated to the metal whereas the hydroxy group remains uncoordinated. The complexes were tested as catalysts in the epoxidation of cyclooctene under eco-friendly conditions, using an aqueous solution of H2O2 as the oxidant and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as solvent or neat conditions, as substitutes for chlorinated solvents. Molybdenum complexes 2a and 2b showed good catalytic activity using H2O2 without added solvent, and tungsten complexes 3a and 3b showed very high activity in the epoxidation of cyclooctene using H2O2 and DMC as solvents.