Olefin epoxidation catalyzed by an air stable-supported titanium catalyst

Grafting of Ti(O'Pr)(4) onto the surface of preactivated silica affords an efficient and selective solid olefin epoxidation catalyst. In conjunction with tert-butylhydroperoxide ('BuOOH), it can effectively oxidize alkenes, dienes and allylic alcohols. The catalyst preparation is very simple and, once made, the material can be handled in air. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.