Synthesis of binuclear complexes of manganese(II), chromium(III), and iron(III) with 1,3-bis[1-(pyridin-2-yl)-ethylideneamino]propan-2-ol and study of their use as catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes

Abstract

Binuclear complexes of Mn(II), Cr(III), and Fe(III) were synthesized using 1,3-bis[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylideneamino]propan-2-ol as a ligand. The complexes were characterized by analytical, spectral, and conductance studies. These complexes have been examined as catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes using iodosylbenzene as an oxidant. Manganese(II) complex was found to be a more effective catalyst than the corresponding chromium(III) complex. The iron(III) complex showed poor catalytic activity. A μ-oxo intermediate, probably responsible for the termination of catalytic activity in the epoxidation reaction, has been isolated.