Results of the Optimisation Process

Eight catalyst generations of 21 samples have been synthesised and tested, and a highly active and selective catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclohexene with tert-bu-tyl hydroperoxide found, which can be applied to the epoxidation of other olefins, especially propylene, using organic peroxides as oxidants [25]. 

Through the NN-GA optimisation process, an important improvement in the activity and selectivity of the starting materials has been achieved (Fig. 5.5). The figure shows the cyclohexane epoxide yields for the eight evolved generations (8x21 samples). The best materials have low titanium contents, and were extracted and silylated. These materials have a Ti-MCM-41 structure and a very hydrophobic surface. 

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