Self-Supported Chiral Polymeric Mn Salen Complexes As Highly Active and Recyclable Catalysts for Epoxidation of Nonfunctionalized Olefins

A series of self-supported chiral polymeric Mn N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylimine) (salen) complexes were synthesized through metalation of the corresponding salen ligands obtained by condensation of several bis/tris-aldehydes with (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. Upon employment in the asymmetric epoxidation reaction of nonfunctionalized olefins, all complexes showed enhanced activity and enantioselectivity relative to the classical Jacobsen's monomeric salen complex. However, 1,3,5-triazole-based polymeric Mn salen complex 7 was noticeably preferred over others owing to its ability to render higher enantioselectivity at the expense of lower catalyst loading. Furthermore, complex 7 was recycled and reused in eight recycling experiments with marginal loss in catalytic activity.