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Highlights: [•] Mn-MCM-41 has been prepared by different synthetic routes. [•] The structure of the catalysts confirmed by different physico-chemical techniques. [•] Mn-M41-K of catalysts exhibited high activity for selective epoxidation of styrene. [•] The MnO x dispersed in channels of Mn-M41-K did almost not leach and could be recyclable. [•] One possible reaction mechanism is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of manganese oxides (MnO, Mn3O4, Mn2O3 and MnO2) were prepared and firstly applied as heterogeneous catalysts for the liquid phase epoxidation of alkenes with 30% H2O2 in bicarbonate solution. Under our experimental conditions, MnO exhibited superior activity for the conversion of styrene to achieve ca. 100% with 92.4% selectivity of epoxide, compared to the other three manganese oxides as well as other metal oxides. Furthermore, recycling studies showed the good recyclability of MnO as a heterogeneous catalyst, which did not lose the catalytic activity after four reuses appreciably. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]