Catalytic Epoxidation of Olefins by Nanolayered Polyoxomolybdate [4,4´-H2bipy][Mo7O22].(H2O)

A two-dimensional nanolayered polyoxomolybdate, [4,4´-h2bipy] [mo7o22].h2o (1), where 4,4´-bipy = 4,4´-bipyridine, was prepared and characterized by ft-ir and atomic absorption spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (tem), x-ray single crystal and powder diffraction (xrd), and thermogravimetric analysis. the catalytic performance of 1 was assessed in the epoxidation of some olefins employing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tbhp) as oxidant and acetonitrile as solvent. compound 1 showed moderate to excellent activity and selectivity towards the epoxidation of the olefins. thermal, structural and catalytic stability of 1 as well as its reusability were examined. the effect of the catalyst amount and the nature of solvent on the activity of 1 were also investigated.