Synthesis, characterization and catalytic epoxidation of cyclohexene using dimeric cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) bis-bidentate Schiff base complexes supported on single wall carbon nanotubes

Three dimeric cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of bis-bidentate Schiff base derivatives containing aromatic nitrogen–nitrogen linkers (4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane; 4,4′-diaminodiphenylether; 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone) with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde have been synthesised and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The catalytic activities of the complexes with respect to alkene epoxidation using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant have been studied. The addition of single wall nanotubes can enhance the catalytic activities of the Mo complexes and the selectivity of epoxide formation.