CUII(Sal-Ala)/MgAlLDH and CUII(Sal-Phen)/MgAlLDH as novel catalytic systems for cyclohexene oxidation by H2O2

•CuII(Sal-Ala/Phen) complexes were supported on MgAlLDH matrix.•Novel catalytic systems were used for the cyclohexene oxidation by H2O2.•CuII complexes and LDH matrix beneficially contribute to the catalysts efficiency.

We present here CuII(Sal-Ala)/MgAlLDH and CuII(Sal-Phen)/MgAlLDH complexes as novel catalytic systems for the cyclohexene oxidation by H2O2. The physical–chemical properties of the catalysts were investigated by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, XPS and TGA techniques. We present evidence that the properties of the CuII-based complexes and the specific properties of the LDHs matrix both beneficially contribute to establish the cyclohexene catalytic oxidation efficiency. CuII(Sal-Ala)/MgAlLDH showed the best catalytic activity with a cyclohexene conversion of 81% and 78% epoxide selectivity. The leaching effect of copper has not observed, and the CH epoxidation yields can be maintained during five catalytic cycles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide