Schiff base Mn(iii) and Co(ii) complexes coated on Co nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst for H2O2 oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

Schiff base compounds as artificial metalloenzymes

Much research has been done on traditional homogeneous metal catalysts and enzymatic catalysts, but recently a new class of hybrid catalysts called synthetic (artificial) metalloenzymes has been considered by researchers. Metalloenzymes as hybrid catalysts (host-guest systems) have been shown that combine the properties of a homogeneous and also enzymatic catalyst. The hybrid catalyst will have added value such as enantioselectivity or chemo-selectivity. This review focuses on Schiff base complexes that either act as homogeneous artificial enzymes or contribute to the structure of a host in the preparation of hybrid metalloenzymes. Because this approach can virtually be applied to any bio- or synthetic host or guest coordination complex, the details of hybrid catalysts seem important for advance in catalysis.

Nanomagnetic macrocyclic Schiff-base-Mn(ii) complex: an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for click approach synthesis of novel β-substitued-1,2,3-triazoles

In the present work, a novel symmetrical 15-membered macrocyclic Schiff base complex of manganese was prepared using the reaction of the synthetic 2,6-diacetylpyridine functionalized Fe₃O₄ MNPs with 2,2-(piperazine-1,4-diyl)dianiline and Mn(ii) bromide salt via a template approach. The resulting [Fe₃O₄@PAM-Schiff-base-Mn][ClO₄] heterogenized complex was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, BET, TGA, EDX, Xray-mapping, SEM, TEM and VSM analysis. To demonstrate proof of concept, Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles was selected to evaluate the activity and reusability of the catalyst. The ethanol as a green solvent proved to be an excellent reaction medium for this synthesis. Yields of up to 100% were obtained in some cases. Significantly, as demonstrated, [Fe₃O₄@PAM-Schiff-base-Mn][ClO₄] catalyst was recycled for 8 cycles without losing catalytic activity under the optimized reaction conditions. The hot filtration and ICP-OES tests ratified that there was no leaching of metal during the catalytic reaction, indicating the heterogeneous manner of the catalyst.

Copper based on diaminonaphthalene-coated magnetic nanoparticles as robust catalysts for catalytic oxidation reactions and C-S cross-coupling reactions

In this work, the immobilization of copper(ii) on the surface of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene (DAN)-coated magnetic nanoparticles provides a highly active catalyst for the oxidation reaction of sulfides to sulfoxides and the oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalyst was also applied for the one-pot synthesis of symmetrical sulfides via the reaction of aryl halides with thiourea as the sulfur source in the presence of NaOH instead of former strongly basic and harsh reaction conditions. Under optimum conditions, the synthesis yields of sulfoxides, symmetrical sulfides, and disulfides were about 99%, 95%, and 96% respectively with highest selectivity. The heterogeneous copper-based catalyst has advantages such as the easy recyclability of the catalyst, the easy separation of the product and the less wastage of products during the separation of the catalyst. This heterogeneous nanocatalyst was characterized by FESEM, FT-IR, VSM, XRD, EDX, ICP and TGA. Furthermore, the recycled catalyst can be reused for several runs and is economically effective.

Selective Photooxidation of Amines and Sulfides Triggered by a Superoxide Radical Using a Novel Visible-Light-Responsive Metal-Organic Framework

Photocatalysis is an efficient and sustainable approach to convert solar energy into chemical energy, simultaneously supplying valuable chemicals. In this study, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) compound is constructed from anthracene-based organic linkers, which shows visible-light absorption and efficient photoinduced charge generation property. It was applied for triggering photooxidation of benzylamines and sulfides in the presence of environmental benign oxidants of molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Results show that it is a highly selective photocatalyst for oxidation reactions to produce valuable imines or sulfoxides. We further investigate the underlying mechanism for these photocatalytic reactions by recognizing reactive oxygen species in the reactions. It has been demonstrated that the superoxide radical (O₂^•-), generated by electron transfer from a photoexcited MOF to oxidants, serves as the main active species for the oxidations. The work demonstrates the great potential of photoactive MOFs for the transformation of organic chemicals into valuable complexes.