Use of a boehmite immobilized cobalt tetra(4-carboxyl)phenylporphyrin catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane to ketone and alcohol

The promoting effect of boehmite (AlOOH) on the catalyst cobalt tetra(4-carboxyl)phenylporphyrin (CoIITCPP) is reported. CoIITCPP was immobilized on AlOOH and subsequently characterized, and then the supported catalyst was used for the oxidation of cyclohexane to ketones and alcohols (i.e. KA oil). The cyclohexane conversion and the yield of KA oil were increased by 73% and 54%, respectively, compared to those achieved with unsupported CoIITCPP. Moreover, a supported catalyst with 1.5 mg of cobalt tetra(4-carboxyl)phenylporphyrin per gram of support could be reused 11 times by virtue of the promotional effect of AlOOH.

The excellent catalyst turnover numbers (2.0 × 105) and moderate yields (12.2 mol%) of K/A oil were obtained from the cyclohexane oxidation over CoTCPP/AlOOH via the promotion of AlOOH. The catalyst could be efficiently reused for 11 oxidation recycles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► AlOOH greatly promotes the catalysis of CoIITCPP for cyclohexane oxidation.
► The coordination and hydrogen bonding of AlOOH affect the catalytic activity.
► The conversion rate is increased by about 75%.
► CoTCPP/AlOOH nanomaterial is efficiently reused for the oxidation.