Biomimetic Aerobic Epoxidation of Alkenes Catalyzed by Cobalt Porphyrin under Ambient Conditions in the Presence of Sunflower Seeds Oil as a Co-Substrate.

Abstract

In this work, a mild and sustainable catalytic aerobic epoxidation of alkenes catalyzed by cobalt porphyrin was performed in the presence of sunflower seeds oil. Under ambient conditions, the conversion rate of trans-stilbene reached 99%, and selectivity toward epoxide formation was 88%. The kinetic studies showed that the aerobic epoxidation followed the Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Mass spectroscopy and in situ electron spin resonance indicated that linoleic acid was converted to fatty aldehydes via hydroperoxide intermediates. A plausible mechanism of epoxidation of alkenes was accordingly proposed.