Oxovanadium(IV) Schiff base complexes derived from 2,2′-dimethylpropandiamine: A homogeneous catalyst for cyclooctene and styrene oxidation

Tetradentate Schiff base ligands, derived from aromatic aldehydes and aliphatic diamine (2,2′-dimethylpropandiamine), and their vanadyl complexes have been prepared and characterized. Catalytic potential of these complexes was tested for the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. The effects of molar ratio of oxidant to substrate, temperature and solvent have been studied. Excellent selectivity of epoxidation for cyclooctene and good selectivity for styrene were obtained. The mechanism of oxidation has also been discussed.

Graphical abstractOxovanadium(IV) complexes of Schiff base ligands derived from 2,2′-dimethylpropandiamine have been prepared and characterized. These complexes catalyse the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using tert-butylhydroperoxide as oxidant in good yield. Various parameters such as solvent, temperature and concentration of oxidant have been optimized. Excellent selectivity of epoxidation for cyclooctene and good selectivity for styrene were obtained. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide