Synthesis and characterization of a Fe(III)-Schiff base complex in a Zn-Al LDH host for cyclohexane oxidation

The paper reports the synthesis, characterization and catalytic evaluation of a Fe(III)-Schiff base complex intercalated Zn-Al layer double hydroxide (LDH). The immobilized complex was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV–vis spectroscopy, N2 adsorption desorption, scanning electron microscopy and TGA techniques. The immobilization complex was found to be an effective catalyst for oxidation of cyclohexane using H2O2 as an oxidant under mild conditions. A conversion of 45.5% of cyclohexane was obtained with selectivity of 100% of the cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol at 70 °C in 8 h in acetonitrile solvent. Recycling test of the catalyst showed that it was recovered and reused up to 3 more cycles without loss of performance.

Graphical abstractFe(III)-Schiff base complex intercalated LDH was prepared by ion exchange method and can be used successfully for liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexane (45.5% conversion).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (64 K)Download as PowerPoint slide