The Titanium(<scp>IV</scp>)‐Catalyzed Epoxidation of Alkenes by <i>tert</i>‐Alkyl Hydroperoxides

Abstract

A high catalytic activity towards alkene epoxidation is shown by titanium‐modified MCM41 mesoporous silicas if 2‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propyl hydroperoxide (MPPH) is used as oxidant. This first example in which MPPH has been used as an efficient two‐electron oxidizing agent demonstrates that it is a competent replacement for tert ‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in metal‐catalyzed, nonradical hydrocarbon oxidations and that the Ti‐MCM41 catalyzed epoxidation of alkenes proceeds by a nonradical mechanism.