Metalloporphyrins encapsulated mesoporous molecular sieves as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for oxidation of cyclohexene with iodosylbenzene

The cationic Fe, Mn or VO porphyrins were encapsulated in Si, Al, Ti and V-MCM-41. The catalytic activity was investigated for the oxidation of cyclohexene with iodosylbenzene (PhIO) as oxidant. Manganese porphyrin supported catalysts produces epoxide as major products whereas iron and vanadyl porphyrins gave allylic oxidation products as major constituents. The results obtained clearly shows that the selectivity of various products depends not only on the nature of the support materials but also on the combined effects of metalloporphyrins and the supports. The recyclability of the heterogeneous catalysts was also investigated. The decrease in catalytic activity and leaching of active centers were observed when porphyrins were supported on Si-MCM-41.