A silicododecamolybdate/pyridinium-tetrazole hybrid molecular salt as a catalyst for the epoxidation of bio-derived olefins

The hybrid polyoxometalate (POM) salt (Hptz)(4)[SiMo12O40].nH(2)O (1) (ptz = 5-(2-pyridyl)tetrazole) has been prepared, characterized by X-ray crystallography, and examined as a catalyst for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene (Cy) and bio-derived olefins, namely dl-limonene (Lim; a naturally occurring monoterpene found in the rinds of citrus fruits), methyl oleate and methyl linoleate (fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained by transesterification of vegetable oils). The crystal structure of 1 consists of alpha-Keggin-type heteropolyanions, [SiMo12O40](4-), surrounded by space-filling and charge-balancing 2-(tetrazol-5-yl)pyridinium (Hptz(+)) cations, as well as by a large number of water molecules of crystallization (n = 9). The water molecules mediate an extensive three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-bonding network involving the inorganic anions and organic cations. For the epoxidation of the model substrate Cy in a nonaqueous system (tert-butylhydroperoxide as oxidant), the catalytic performance of 1 (100% epoxide yield at 24 h, 70 degrees C) was superior to that of the tetrabutylammonium salt (Bu4N)(4) [SiMo12O40] (2) (63% epoxide yield at 24 h), illustrating the role of the counterion Hptz(+) in enhancing catalytic activity. The hybrid salt 1 was effective for the epoxidation of Lim (69%/85% conversion at 6 h/24 h) and the FAMEs (87-88%/100% conversion at 6 h/24 h), leading to useful bio-based products (epoxides, diepoxides and diol products).

Automated summary

In this study, a novel hybrid polyoxometalate salt was prepared and utilized as a catalyst for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene and bio-derived olefins, showing promising catalytic performance. The crystal structure of the hybrid salt was characterized by X-ray crystallography, revealing the role of water molecules in mediating hydrogen bonding interactions. The hybrid salt exhibited enhanced catalytic activity compared to the traditional tetrabutylammonium salt, leading to the efficient epoxidation of various substrates including dl-limonene and fatty acid methyl esters.