Epoxidation of Olefins by Molecular Oxygen Using Perfluorocarbons as Reaction Media

Abstract

Epoxidation of olefins by dioxygen in combination with aldehyde as reducing agent can be carried out at room temperature, in the absence of metal catalysts, using perfluorocarbons as inert reaction media. These non-toxic, non ozone-depleting fluids are good alternatives to the chlorinated solvents normally used.

Notes

FC-72 (mainly perfluorohexane, b.p. = 56 °C), FC-75 (mainly perfluoro n-butyltetrahydrofurane, b.p. = 102 °C) and FC-43 (mainly perfluoro tributylamine, b.p. = 174 °C) are available from 3M.