Synthesis, Structural Studies and Catalytic activity of Copper(II) Complex Supported by N, N′-bis (2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzaldehyde) 4-Methylbenzene-1, 2-Diamine

Abstract

A novel robust method for synthesis of 3-MOBdMBn-Cu complex, supported by -ONNO-tetradentate Schiff-base ligand is presented. This copper complex is prepared by the reactions of metal solution with one molar equivalent of 3-MOBdMBn (N, N’-bis (2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) 4-Methylbenzene-1, 2-diamine) Schiff-base ligand in methanol under nitrogen atmosphere. In contrast to other catalysts, the main advantage of this catalyst system was that the cost of the catalyst was remarkably low and it can be recycled up to eight times, due to its easily accessible materials and the simple synthetic route. The higher efficiency of complexation of copper ion on the 3-MOBdMBn Schiff base was another advantage of this catalyst system. The structural study reveals that copper(II) complex is of square planar geometry. The catalytic activity of copper complex toward the oxidation of phenol is investigated. Experimental results indicate that the rate of phenol conversion was 6.055 x 10^-6 moledm^-3s^-1 with turnover number 49.632 g mol^-1 Cu hr^-1 at 30 min.

Keywords: Schiff base, catalysis, organometallic catalyst, copper, phenol oxidation