Selective Conversion of Cyclohexene to 2-Methoxycyclohexanol over Molybdenum Oxide on Beta Zeolite

Selective transformation of olefins is an important route to produce cyclic monoether glycol products, but the current catalysts still suffer from insufficient activity, selectivity, and durability. Herein, we reported that molybdenum oxide on siliceous beta zeolite was highly efficient for the selective conversion of cyclohexene with a trans-2-methoxycyclohexanol yield as high as 95% in the presence of methanol and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant. This reaction included the epoxidation of cyclohexene and subsequent solvolysis. Mechanistic studies revealed that the siliceous beta zeolite benefited the formation of abundant monomeric MoOx species, which was efficient for both the epoxidation of cyclohexene and subsequent solvolysis. Furthermore, this catalyst was also active for the conversion of other olefins, achieving the corresponding β-alkoxyalcohols.