Synthesis, X-ray structure and oxidation catalysis of a oxido–peroxido molybdenum(VI) complex with a tridentate Schiff base ligand

A new oxido–peroxido molybdenum(VI) complex [MoO(O2)L(CH3OH)] was synthesized, using salicylidene benzoyl hydrazine as tridentate ONO donor Schiff base ligand (H2L). The complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, molar conductance data, and finally by X-ray structure analysis. This complex functions as facile olefin epoxidation catalyst with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as terminal oxidant and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) as a co-catalyst at room temperature. Catalytic potentiality of complex is also exhibited in oxidation of sulfides. The catalyst show very much efficient reactivity in the oxidation reactions giving high yield, turnover number (TON) and selectivity.