An electron spin resonance study of the interactions of olefins with Na and K molybdates

Abstract

The ESR spectra and the catalytic activity of sodium and potassium molybdates have been investigated. In agreement with the structural analogies with the bismuth molybdate catalysts active in olefin oxidation, formation of the Mo(V) ESR signal is observed when they are placed in contact with 1-butene or propene. However, the catalytic activity was almost nil. The catalytic inactivity has been explained as due to the difficulty of reoxidation by gaseous oxygen. The failure of a partner with red-ox properties, such as Bi(III) or Fe(III), and the higher stability of the reduced centers have been suggested to be responsible for the difficulty of reoxidation.