Solvent-free allylic oxidation of cycloolefins over mesoporous CrMCM-41 molecular sieve catalyst at 1 atm dioxygen

Oxidation of cycloolefins was effectively performed under aerobic (1 atm dioxygen) and mild solvent-free conditions using mesoporous CrMCM-41 molecular sieve catalyst. For instance, Cycloolefins (C(5)-C(7)) were selectively oxidized to the corresponding alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones (for example, cyclohexene - 52.2% conversion and 71.2% selectivity) and cycloolefins (C(8)-C(12)) were oxidized to epoxides (for example, cis-cyclooctene - 50% conversion and >99% selectivity) at 323-353 K for 24 h. The catalytic activity over recycled catalyst remains nearly same. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.