Polymer-supported metal complex alkene epoxidation catalysts

Following a brief background description of homogeneous alkene epoxidation catalysts and early attempts to immobilise these, the most recent developments in the supporting of these species are reviewed. The area is divided into non-chiral and chiral catalysts. Within the former the key combinations that are described are the Mo(VI) and V(V)/alkyl hydroperoxide systems, upon which a great deal of structural evaluation has also been carried out, and W(VI)/H2O2. A brief summary of results using immobilised Cu, Mn, Fe, Ru and Ti with alkyl hydroperoxide is also given. In the case of chiral catalysts the main systems described are those mimicking the Sharpless tartrate ester/Ti(IV)/hydroperoxide system for epoxidation of allylic and related alcohols, and those related to Jacobsen's chiral Mn(III) (salen) system for epoxidation of internal non-functionalised cis-alkenes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.