Vanadyl arsenates as catalysts for selective oxidation of organic sulfides and alkenes

Abstract

Two vanadyl arsenates templated with ethylendiamonium (EnVAs) and piperazonium (PipVAs) were evaluated as catalysts for the oxidation of thioethers and alkenes, using H2O2 and t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidants. The intrinsic activity of EnVAs was higher than that of PipVAs for the oxidation of sulfides. Similar results were obtained when using either H2O2 or TBHP as oxidants. However, the sterical effects were enhanced when TBHP was used and higher selectivities towards sulfoxides were achieved with this oxidant. The catalytic activity of the V-based materials in the epoxidation of simple alkenes and allylic alcohols was assessed. Upon reuse, both materials show no significant decrease in their catalytic properties.