Microwave-assisted epoxidation of simple alkenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

A novel application of microwave irradiation for the epoxidation of some simple alkenes, in which hydrogen peroxide was used as an oxidant together with sodium tungsten and phosphorous acid under phase-transfer catalytic (PTC) conditions, is described as a new environmentally benign method. In comparison with conventional heating, the microwave process is a very useful alternative for introducing of the oxirane ring into some unsaturated hydrocarbons because of reduction of the reaction time and increase in yield.