Methyltrioxorhenium as Catalyst for Olefin Oxidation

The pronounced Lewis acidity explains the exceptional activity of the title compound as catalyst for olefin epoxidations with hydrogen peroxide. The system MTO/ t BuOH/H 2 O 2 transforms olefins selectively and efficiently into epoxides under very mild conditions (−30 to + 60°C, but normally at room temperature). In general, 0.1 to 1 mol% MTO is sufficient to achieve high turnovers. Variation of the alkyl group and addition of cocatalysts (e.g. amines) should influence activity and stereoselectivity.