Solvent-free epoxidation of himachalenes and their derivatives by TBHP using [MoO2(SAP)]2 as a catalyst

Himachalenes, sesquiterpenes isolated from the essential oil of Cedrus atlantica, are abundant and relatively inexpensive natural molecules of high interest, of which classical chemical transformations have enlarged the application potential. Solvent-free epoxidation using aqueous TBHP as an oxidant and [MoO2(SAP)](2) as a catalyst is performed herein for the first time with this family of natural compounds and with related halogenated derivatives. (C) 2014 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.