Abstract—Co(II) macrocyclic Schiff base complex nanoparticles have been encapsulated in the nanopores of
zeolite-Y. The new Schiff base complexes entrapped in the nanoreactor of zeolite-Y were characterized by
several techniques: chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, XRD, and DRS). These complexes
(neat and encapsulated) were used for epoxidation of alkenes with O2 as oxidant in different solvents. The catalyst demonstrated excellent activity for a variety of alkenes in a mild, inexpensive and efficient protocol.
Reaction parameters including temperature, catalyst amount and solvent were screened by reaction time. The
recycling experiment results indicated that the catalysts were highly stable and maintained activity and selectivity even after being used for five cycles.