The catalytic oxidation of phenol in aqueous media using cobalt(II) complexes derived from N-(aryl) salicylaldimines

The synthesis of tetradentate cobalt(II) salicylaldiminato complexes and their catalytic evaluation in the oxidation of phenol is reported. Tetradentate cobalt complexes [Co(Ln)2] were obtained by reacting the N-(aryl)salicylaldimine ligands (HL1–HL6) with cobalt acetate in a 2:1 mole ratio. All complexes were characterized using FT-IR and elemental analysis. X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, 2 and 5 have also been obtained. All complexes were found to be active for the oxidation process.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of tetradentate cobalt(II) salicylaldiminato complexes and their catalytic evaluation in the oxidation of phenol are reported. X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, 2 and 5 have also been obtained. All complexes were found to be active for the oxidation process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide