A series of Fe(III) and Mn(III) complexes containing N-4 non-porphyrin pyridine-2-carboxamido ligands have been synthesized. Their catalytic abilities in epoxidation and the effects of reaction conditions such as temperature, solvent have been studied, leading to the highest yield of 92% for 4-methoxystyrene by using [Mn(bbpc)Cl(DMF)] (H(2)bbpc = 1,2-bis(4'-tert-butylpyridine-2'-carboxarnido)-4,5-dichlorobenzene) as catalyst. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.