optically active molybdenum(VI) dioxo complexes bearing hydrosalen derivatives as ligands were synthesized, grafted on the surface of MCM-41 and MOM-48 and examined as catalysts for asymmetric epoxidation. In case of cis-beta-methylstyrene and trans-beta-methyl styrene moderate enantiomeric excesses of up to 31% can be reached when the reaction is carried out at room temperature. The catalysts can also be applied for non-chiral oxidation reactions. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.