Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic studies of a cobalt(III) Schiff base complex and its use as a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation reaction under mild condition

• New heterogeneous and homogeneous cobalt complexes have been synthesized.
• Both complexes oxidized alkenes with 30% H2O2 at 50 °C.
• Both complexes oxidized sulfides to sulfoxides at room temperature.
• Heterogeneous cobalt complex can be recycled upto seven times.

A new Schiff base oriented Co(III) complex, (CoL)Cl4H2O (L = Schiff base), has been synthesized by careful design of the Schiff base ligand thorough oxidation of Co(II) to Co(III) during the reaction process. The complex has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis and various spectral analyses. Structure analysis reveals that this monomeric complex crystallizes in triclinic P−1 space group. Supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions among the guest water molecules and counter anion chloride leads to the formation of 1D water-chloride chain. A polymer anchored heterogeneous cobalt complex has been synthesized, characterized by various physicochemical techniques and successfully used for the oxidation of alkenes and sulfides using H2O2 as oxygen source. The influence of the various reaction parameters has been studied. The heterogeneous cobalt complex can be reused seven times without any significant loss in its catalytic activity.

An octahedral cobalt(III) Schiff base complex has been synthesized and characterized. A polymer anchored cobalt complex has been prepared and used as a catalyst in the oxidation of alkenes and sulfides under mild conditions. This heterogeneous complex can be reused several times without significant loss of its activity.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (124 K)Download as PowerPoint slide