A simple and versatile method for alkene epoxidation using aqueous hydrogen peroxide and manganese salophen catalysts

We describe a simple and versatile method for the catalytic epoxidation of a broad range of olefins (e.g., ketones, esters, and alkyl halides) with aqueous H2O2 using manganese salophen catalysts. Low catalyst loading, short reaction times, and a simple reaction setup (e.g., no pH buffer is required) are salient features of the system, which unites the benefits of H2O2 as an oxidant with the versatility and modularity of salen-based catalysts.