Mono-oxygenase-like oxidation of hydrocarbons using supported manganese–porpnyrin catalysts: beneficial effects of a silica support for alkane hydroxylation

A supported Mn–porphyrin catalyst was prepared by strong adsorption of the tetracationic Mn[meso-tetra(4-N-methylpyridiniumyl) porphyrin](Cl)4+4Cl– on silica, and was found very efficient for cyclo-octene epoxidation (95% yield, 13 turnovers per min) and for alkane hydroxylation, with alcohol yields and alcohol: ketone ratios remarkably higher than those obtained with corresponding soluble Mn–porphyrins.