Olefin epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide using octamolybdate-based self-separating catalysts

Mo8O264- based organic polyoxomolybdate salts of general formula [Hmim](4)Mo8O26 (Hmim = 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium), [Dhmim](4)Mo8O26 (Dhmim = 1,2-dimethyl-3-hexylimidazolium) and [Hpy](4)Mo8O26 center dot H2O (Hpy = 1-hexylpyridinium) have been prepared and characterized. These compounds were applied as catalysts for olefin epoxidation using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as oxidant in CH3CN. The polyoxomolybdate salts exhibit excellent catalytic performance and are also self-separating, a great advantage for catalyst recycling. The catalysts can be reused for at least 10 runs without significant loss of activity.