Synlett 2008(3): 453-457  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1032062
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

An Ionic Manganeseporphyrin Catalyst for Alkene Epoxidations: The Significant Roles of the Cationic Trimethylbenzylammonium Functionalities and the Anionic Mercaptopropionate Counterions

Yueqin Cai, Yong Lu, Ye Liu*, Ming-Yuan He, Qingxia Wan
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P. R. of China
Fax: +86(21)62233424; e-Mail: yliu@chem.ecnu.edu.cn;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 28 August 2007
Publication Date:
16 January 2008 (online)

Abstract

An ionic manganeseporphyrin, bearing cationic trimethylbenzylammonium functionalities and mercaptopropionate [HS(CH2)2CO2 -] counteranions, was synthesized and applied as a catalyst for alkene epoxidations using iodosylbenzene (PhIO) as an oxidant. The reactions proceeded with high activity and oxide selectivity, and the catalyst exhibited relatively good recyclability. It was found that the presence of thiol (SH) group and quaternary ammonium substituents contributed greatly to the improved activity and stability of this ionic manganeseporphyrin. This was due to the synergistic effects of HS(CH2)2CO2 - as an axial ligand, and the suppression of oxidation degradation by the strongly electron-withdrawing nature of the quaternary ammonium cations.