Heterogeneous Epoxidation of α-Pinene with Air over Mordenite (MOR) Supported Cobalt Complex

Abstract The MOR supported cobalt complex materials were synthesized by ion exchange method and used to catalyze the epoxidation reaction of α-pinene with air. The liquid phase batch mode of epoxidation reaction was carried out under atmospheric pressure and aerobic conditions. Among the supported [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+ -zeolites catalysts, [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+ -MOR exhibited the best catalytic efficiency for the titled reaction, and high reaction conversion as well as epoxidation product selectivity were obtained for α-pinene and α-epoxypinane. Parametric studies were performed to examine the effect factors like the Co content, the solvent, the initiator, the substrate amount and the catalyst amount. The catalyst can be reused at least nine cycles without significant loss in activity towards epoxidation.