Unexpected high oxidation of cyclohexane by Fe salts and dihydrogen peroxide in acetonitrile

Cyclohexane oxidation using advanced oxidation processes with metals and metal oxides as catalysts: a review

Selective oxidation of cyclohexane has gained substantial interest in the field of research due to the prominence of its products in industrial processes. Particularly, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) constitute a positive technology for the oxidation of cyclohexane owing to their high oxidation potentials and environmental benign properties. This review entails to address the progress made in advanced oxidation of cyclohexane over nanostructured metals and metal oxides catalysts. The main focus is directed toward the photocatalysis, Fenton oxidation and ozonation as advanced oxidation processes. Mainly, the fundamental principles, prime factors of the AOPs in conjunction with metal and metal oxide catalysts and the mechanistic insight toward the oxidation of cyclohexane are highlighted. The affirmative effects of the metals and metal oxide catalysts mainly focusing on particle size, structure and elemental composition is stressed. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of the AOPs and the strategic approaches to counter the disadvantages are also clearly elucidated.

Tailoring the electron density of cobalt oxide clusters to provide highly selective superoxide and peroxide species for aerobic cyclohexane oxidation

The catalytic aerobic cyclohexane oxidation to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA oil) is an industrially relevant reaction. This work is focused on the synthesis of tailor-made catalysts based on the well-known Co₄O₄ core in order to successfully deal with cyclohexane oxidation reaction. The catalytic activity and selectivity of the synthesized catalysts can be correlated with the electronic density of the cluster, modulated by changing the organic ligands. This is not trivial in cyclohexane oxidation. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is discussed on the basis of kinetics and spin trapping experiments, confirming that the electronic density of the catalyst has a clear influence on the distribution of the reaction products. In addition, in situ Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the oxygen species formed on the cobalt cluster during the oxidation reaction. Altogether, it can be concluded that the catalyst with the highest oxidation potential promotes the formation of peroxide and superoxide species, which is the best way to oxidize inactivated CH bonds in alkanes. Finally, based on the results of the mechanistic studies, the contribution of these cobalt oxide clusters in each single reaction step of the whole process has been proposed.

Oxidation of Organic Compounds with Peroxides Catalyzed by Polynuclear Metal Compounds

The review describes articles that provide data on the synthesis and study of the properties of catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes, olefins, and alcohols. These catalysts are polynuclear complexes of iron, copper, osmium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, vanadium. Such complexes for example are: [Fe2(HPTB)(m-OH)(NO3)2](NO3)2·CH3OH·2H2O, where HPTB-¼N,N,N0,N0-tetrakis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxo-1,3-diaminopropane; complex [(PhSiO1,5)6]2[CuO]4[NaO0.5]4[dppmO2]2, where dppm-1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane; (2,3-η-1,4-diphenylbut-2-en-1,4-dione)undecacarbonyl triangulotriosmium; phenylsilsesquioxane [(PhSiO1.5)10(CoO)5(NaOH)]; bi- and tri-nuclear oxidovanadium(V) complexes [{VO(OEt)(EtOH)}2(L2)] and [{VO(OMe)(H2O)}3(L3)]·2H2O (L2 = bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)terephthalohydrazide and L3 = tris(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzene-1,3,5-tricarbohydrazide); [Mn2L2O3][PF6]2 (L = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane). For comparison, articles are introduced describing catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and alcohols with peroxides, which are simple metal salts or mononuclear metal complexes. In many cases, polynuclear complexes exhibit higher activity compared to mononuclear complexes and exhibit increased regioselectivity, for example, in the oxidation of linear alkanes. The review contains a description of some of the mechanisms of catalytic reactions. Additionally presented are articles comparing the rates of oxidation of solvents and substrates under oxidizing conditions for various catalyst structures, which allows researchers to conclude about the nature of the oxidizing species. This review is focused on recent works, as well as review articles and own original studies of the authors.

Fe(III) Complexes in Cyclohexane Oxidation: Comparison of Catalytic Activities under Different Energy Stimuli

In this study, the mononuclear Fe(III) complex [Fe(HL)(NO3)(H2O)2]NO3 (1) derived from Nʹ-acetylpyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (H2L) was synthesized and characterized by several physicochemical methods, e.g., elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic performances of 1 and the previously reported complexes [Fe(HL)Cl2] (2) and [Fe(HL)Cl(μ-OMe)]2 (3) towards the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane under three different energy stimuli (microwave irradiation, ultrasound, and conventional heating) were compared. 1-3 displayed homogeneous catalytic activity, leading to the formation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone as final products, with a high selectivity for the alcohol (up to 95%). Complex 1 exhibited the highest catalytic activity, with a total product yield of 38% (cyclohexanol + cyclohexanone) under optimized microwave-assisted conditions.

Density functional theory study of selective aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane: the roles of acetic acid and cobalt ion

A computational study of cyclohexane autoxidation and catalytic oxidation to a cyclohexyl hydroperoxide intermediate (CyOOH), cyclohexanol, and cyclohexanone has been conducted using a hybrid density functional theory method. The activation of cyclohexane and O₂ is the rate-determining step in the formation of CyOOH due to its relatively high energy barrier of 41.2 kcal/mol, and the subsequent reaction behavior of CyOOH controls whether the production of cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone is favored. Using CH₃COOH or (CH₃COO)₂Co as a catalyst reduces the energy barriers required to activate cyclohexane and O₂ by 4.1 or 7.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Employing CH₃COOH improves the CyOOH intramolecular dehydration process, which favors the formation of cyclohexanone. The energy barrier to the decomposition of CyOOH to CyO·, an important precursor of cyclohexanol, decreases from 35.5 kcal/mol for autoxidation to 25.9 kcal/mol for (CH₃COO)₂Co catalysis. (CH₃COO)₂Co promotes the autoxidation process via a radical chain mechanism. The computational results agree with experimental observations quite well, revealing the underlying role of CH₃COOH and Co ion in cyclohexane oxidation. Graphical abstract Through DFT analysis of cyclohexane autoxidation and catalytic oxidation, we reveal the mechanism of the effects of CH₃COOH and Co²⁺ on the reaction routes.

Design and synthesis of a dinucleating ligand system with varying terminal donor functions that provides no bridging donor and its application to the synthesis of a series of FeIII–μ-O–FeIII complexes

We have developed the dinucleating ligands H₄julia, susan, and H₄hilde^Me2 and present their μ-oxo diferric complexes.

C-H Bond Oxidation Catalyzed by an Imine-Based Iron Complex: A Mechanistic Insight

A family of imine-based nonheme iron(II) complexes (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 has been prepared, characterized, and employed as C-H oxidation catalysts. Ligands LX (X = 1, 2, 3, and 4) stand for tridentate imine ligands resulting from spontaneous condensation of 2-pycolyl-amine and 4-substituted-2-picolyl aldehydes. Fast and quantitative formation of the complex occurs just upon mixing aldehyde, amine, and Fe(OTf)2 in a 2:2:1 ratio in acetonitrile solution. The solid-state structures of (L1)2Fe(OTf)(ClO4) and (L3)2Fe(OTf)2 are reported, showing a low-spin octahedral iron center, with the ligands arranged in a meridional fashion. (1)H NMR analyses indicate that the solid-state structure and spin state is retained in solution. These analyses also show the presence of an amine-imine tautomeric equilibrium. (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 efficiently catalyze the oxidation of alkyl C-H bonds employing H2O2 as a terminal oxidant. Manipulation of the electronic properties of the imine ligand has only a minor impact on efficiency and selectivity of the oxidative process. A mechanistic study is presented, providing evidence that C-H oxidations are metal-based. Reactions occur with stereoretention at the hydroxylated carbon and selectively at tertiary over secondary C-H bonds. Isotopic labeling analyses show that H2O2 is the dominant origin of the oxygen atoms inserted in the oxygenated product. Experimental evidence is provided that reactions involve initial oxidation of the complexes to the ferric state, and it is proposed that a ligand arm dissociates to enable hydrogen peroxide binding and activation. Selectivity patterns and isotopic labeling studies strongly suggest that activation of hydrogen peroxide occurs by heterolytic O-O cleavage, without the assistance of a cis-binding water or alkyl carboxylic acid. The sum of these observations provides sound evidence that controlled activation of H2O2 at (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 differs from that occurring in biomimetic iron catalysts described to date.

Changes in spectrochemical and catalytic properties of biopolymer anchored Cu(II) and Ni(II) catalysts by electron beam irradiation

Chitosan (a biopolymer) anchored Cu(II) and Ni(II) Schiff base complexes, [M(OIAC)Cl2] (M: Cu/Ni and OIAC: ([2-oxo-1H-indol-3-ylidene]amino)chitosan) were electron beam irradiated by different doses (100 Gy, 1 kGy and 10 kGy). The electron beam has shown potential impact on biopolymer's support, in detail chain linking and chain scissoring, as evidenced by viscosity studies, FT-IR and X-ray diffraction spectroscopic techniques. Due to these structural changes, thermal properties of the complexes were found to be changed. The surface of these heterogeneous complexes was also effectually altered by electron beam. As a consequence, pores and holes were created as probed by SEM technique. The catalytic activity of both non-irradiated and irradiated complexes was investigated in the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane using hydrogen peroxide oxidant. The catalytic ability of the complexes was enhanced significantly after irradiation as the result of surface changes. The reusability of the complexes was also greatly affected because of the structural variations in polymeric support. In terms of both better catalytic activity along with the reusability, 1 kGy is suggested as the best dose to attain adequate increase in catalytic activity and good reusability.

Molecular iron complexes as catalysts for selective C–H bond oxygenation reactions

This feature article summarises recent developments in homogeneous C–H bond oxygenation catalysed by molecular iron complexes.

Fluorous bispidine: a bifunctional reagent for copper-catalyzed oxidation and knoevenagel condensation reactions in water

Fluorous bispidine-type ligands have been developed to demonstrate its bifunctional property as a ligand and base in copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation, the Knoevenagel condensation and tandem oxidation/condensation in water under mild conditions.

Allylic and benzylic sp3 C–H oxidation in water

A copper-catalyzed method for the oxidation of allylic and benzylic sp³ C–H by aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide (T-Hydro) in water using a recyclable fluorous ligand has been developed.

Hydrocarbon oxidation catalyzed by a cheap nonheme imine-based iron(ii) complex

An imine-based iron complex, prepared in situ from iron(ii), pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and 2-aminomethylpyridine, effectively catalyzes hydrocarbon oxidation at low loadings.

Synthesis, spectrochemical characterisation and catalytic activity of transition metal complexes derived from Schiff base modified chitosan

Three novel quadridentate Schiff base complexes, [Cu(OIAC)Cl(2)], [Co(OIAC)Cl(2)] and [Ni(OIAC)Cl(2)] [OIAC, a Schiff base ligand: (([2-oxo-1H-indol-3-ylidene]amino)chitosan)] have been synthesized. The molecular structure of the complexes has been characterised by elemental analyses, magnetic measurements, molar conductance studies, vibrational (FT-IR), electronic (UV-Vis) and (1)H NMR spectroscopic techniques. Thermal properties of the complexes have been investigated with TG-DTG analyses. The surface morphological difference of ligand and the complexes has been explored with scanning electron microscopy. The crystallinity of the compounds was analysed by powder X-ray diffraction technique and it was found to be less for the Schiff base (OIAC) and the complexes as compared to the chitosan. The catalytic activities of the complexes have been studied in the oxidation of cyclohexane, using environmental friendly oxidant, hydrogen peroxide. Complex with rough surface has shown higher catalytic activity compared to the other complexes.

Tetradentate Schiff base ligands and their complexes: synthesis, structural characterization, thermal, electrochemical and alkane oxidation

Three Schiff base ligands (H(2)L(1)-H(2)L(3)) with N(2)O(2) donor sites were synthesized by condensation of 1,5-diaminonapthalene with benzaldehyde derivatives. A series of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Cr(III) complexes were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Thermal, electrochemical and alkane oxidation reactions of the ligands and their metal complexes were investigated. Extensive application of 1D ((1)H, (13)C NMR) and 2D (COSY, HETCOR, HMBC and TOSCY) NMR techniques were used to characterize the structures of the ligands and establish the (1)H and (13)C resonance assignments of the three ligands. Ligands H(2)L(1) and H(2)L(3) were obtained as single crystals from THF solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Both molecules are centrosymmetric and asymmetric unit contains one half of the molecule. Catalytic alkane oxidation reactions with the transition metal complexes investigated using cyclohexane and cyclooctane as substrates. The Cu(II) and Cr(III) complexes showed good catalytic activity in the oxidation of cyclohexane and cyclooctane to desired oxidized products. Electrochemical and thermal properties of the compounds were also investigated.

Antioxidant, electrochemical, thermal, antimicrobial and alkane oxidation properties of tridentate Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes

In this study, two Schiff base ligands (HL(1) and HL(2)) and their Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Pd(II) and Ru(III) metal complexes were synthesized and characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. Alkane oxidation activities of the metal complexes were studied on cyclohexane as substrate. The ligands and their metal complexes were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Corynebacterium xerosis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecalis (as gram-positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella fragilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans (as gram-negative bacteria). The antioxidant properties of the Schiff base ligands were evaluated in a series of in vitro tests: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and reducing power activity of superoxide anion radical generated non-enzymatic systems. Electrochemical and thermal properties of the compounds were investigated.

Synthesis, structural characterization, catalytic, thermal and electrochemical investigations of bidentate Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes

In this study, we prepared the Schiff base ligand (L) and its Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The compounds were characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. The ligand (L) behaves as a bidentate ligand and coordinates to the metal ions via the nitrogen atoms. The complexes have the mononuclear structures. The analytical and spectroscopic results indicated that the chloride ions coordinate to the metal ions. The complexes have the general formulae [M(L)(Cl)(2)] (M: Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) metal ions). Electrochemical properties were investigated as ligand and metal centres in the different solvents and at the scan rates, respectively. The thermal properties of the metal complexes were studied in the N(2) atmosphere. We investigated the improved catalytic activity of the Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes on the cyclohexane as a substrate. Obtained data showed that the best catalyst is the Cu(II) complex. The single crystal of the ligand (L) was obtained from CH(3)CN solution. There is a C-H...N H-bond linking the molecules into chains (C6)...N(2) 3.4415(18)A under symmetry operation (x+1,y,z) as well as pi-pi stacking on the outside of the "V" shape--nothing on the inside.