Synthesis, spectral investigation and catalytic aspects of entrapped VO(IV) and Cu(II) complexes into the supercages of zeolite-Y

VO(IV) and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff base ligand derived from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-formyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (PMFP) and 2-amino phenol have been synthesized as their neat and entrapped complexes into the supercages of zeolite-Y. The compounds were characterized by chemical analysis (ICP-OES and elemental), electronic and/or UV reflectance spectra, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, SEMs, BET and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. All the prepared catalysts were tested on the liquid phase limonene oxidation reaction, using 30% H2O2 as an oxidant. Limonene glycol, carveol, carvone and limonene 1,2-epoxide were the main products obtained. It was observed that zeolite-Y entrapped complexes exhibited higher catalytic activity than neat complexes. The catalysts undergo no metal leaching and can be easily recovered and reused. The use of inexpensive catalyst and oxidant are significant practical advantages of this environmentally friendly process. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.