Catalytic oxidation of anilines into azoxybenzenes on mesoporous silicas containing cobalt oxide

Synthesis of cobalt-bound copolymers and the use of this polymer as a template to prepare mesoporous silicas containing cobalt oxide are reported. This material catalyzed the oxidation of anilines into the corresponding azoxybenzene efficiently with the hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. Furthermore, the catalyst can be recycled without losing the activity.

Graphical abstractSynthesis of mesoporous silicas containing cobalt oxide via a templating method using a metal-bound copolymer as a surfactant was reported. This cobalt-based material proved to be a good catalyst for conversion of anilines into the corresponding azoxybenzenes. Further, the catalyst was recycled and no major change in the conversion and selectivity was observed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide