A new and easy method for anchoring manganese salen on MCM-41

This work reports a new method to covalently attach manganese salophen complex onto MCM-41, using a diisocyanate as a binder. The prepared catalyst was tested on the liquid phase limonene oxidation reaction. Diluted t-Butyl hydroperoxide was used as oxygen supplier. Limonene oxide, carveol and carvone are formed, but the main product obtained was a polymer. The preservation of the MCM-41 channel system was checked by X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption analysis. The use of the same catalyst sample in four consecutive experiments, without loss of activity, is a confirmation of the success of the anchoring process.