Epoxidation of olefins by molybdenum(VI) catalysts supported on functional polyimide particulates

Abstract

Functional polyimides have been prepared in a bead form by nonaqueous suspension polycondensation. A molybdenum(VI) complex was supported on the functional polyimide particulates containing a triazole group and used as a catalyst in the liquid-phase epoxidation of higher olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxygen source. Serious degradation of the polyimide-supported Mo(VI) catalyst does not happen in air until similar to 400 degrees C. The polyimide-supported Mo catalyst was highly active and selective and could be recycled 10 times with no detectable loss of Mo from the support.