Abstract
Epoxidation of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is an important reaction in organic synthesis. In this study, epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was carried out in hexane or water solvent, using hydrogen peroxide and calcium vanadateapatite (VAp) as a solid base catalyst. Calcium hydroxyapatite [HAp, (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2)] is a typical apatite. Calcium vanadateapatite [VAp, (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2)] was prepared by substituting VO4 for PO4 in the whole apatite matrix. The present study found excellent epoxidation in hexane as an organic solvent. In addition, the oxides were obtained in good yield in the presence of water and surfactant. The VAp could be easily recovered and reused.
