Epoxidation of cyclohexene on Nb-containing meso- and macroporous materials

Various niobium-containing meso- and macroporous materials were prepared and characterised by means of XRD and H₂-TPR techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and sorption measurements. They were tested in the liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexene to epoxide with hydrogen peroxide. The effect of various parameters such as a nature of solvent, material structure, atmosphere on the activity and selectivity of the reaction was studied. NbMCM-41 and NbSM-2 materials are highly active in the epoxidation.