Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of highly efficient chiral recyclable homogeneous catalysts generated in situ by the reaction of chiral oligomeric [H4] ligands and a metal salt taken in 1:1 molar ratio for asymmetric nitroaldol reaction, wherein nitroaldol reactions of various aldehydes such as aromatic, aliphatic ?,?-unsaturated aldehydes, alicyclic aldehydes and nitroalkenes were carried out to produce optically active ?-nitroalcohols in high yield and with moderate to excellent enantioselectivity (ee up to >95%) in presence of a base and an optically active chiral recyclable homogeneous catalyst represented by the following formula (I).

Abstract: A process for preparation of 2-phenyl ethanol by catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide using a catalyst consisting of Pd (II) on basic inorganic support is investigated. The present invention comprises development of new Pd based catalysts. The present method yields 2-phenyl ethanol in 98% selectivity at total conversion of styrene oxide. The present process represents an environment friendly alternative to conventionally used methods in industry and eliminates the reduction step for catalyst preparation. In the present invention the active catalyst is generated in situ during the hydrogenation of styrene oxide. In addition, Pd (II) supported catalysts do not catch fire (non pyrophoric), can be stored under ambient conditions and produce very less or no dust which makes said catalysts suitable for industrial application.

Abstract: A process for preparation of 2-phenyl ethanol by catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide using a catalyst consisting of Pd (II) on basic inorganic support is investigated. The present invention comprises development of new Pd based catalysts. The present method yields 2-phenyl ethanol in 98% selectivity at total conversion of styrene oxide. The present process represents an environment friendly alternative to conventionally used methods in industry and eliminates the reduction step for catalyst preparation. In the present invention the active catalyst is generated in situ during the hydrogenation of styrene oxide. In addition, Pd (II) supported catalysts do not catch fire (non pyrophoric), can be stored under ambient conditions and produce very less or no dust which makes said catalysts suitable for industrial application.

Abstract: An improved catalytic process for the preparation of epoxides from alkenes using a combination of transition metal salt, an inorganic promoter and an organic additive in absence of solvent or in the presence of a solvent with commercially available hydrogen per oxide has been disclosed. Thus, styrene oxide was prepared at a kilogram scale in 86% isolated yield with purity >95%.