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

A heterogeneous catalyst containing manganese Schiff base complex (derived from 2,4-dihydroxybenzadehyde and 1,2-phenylenediamine) is produced by covalent anchoring in MCM-41 matrix. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), inductivity coupled plasma (ICP), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, N2 sorbtion-desorbtion isotherm and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained catalyst was used in the epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the effect of various parameters such as reaction time, temperature, amount of catalyst, oxidant and imidazole has been investigated. The catalyst reusability was investigated. Our result reveals that this catalyst shows high catalytic activity in the epoxidation of alkenes.