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.