Cobalt(III) Schiff base complex: Synthesis, X-ray structure and aerobic epoxidation of olefins

A new Co(III) Schiff-base complex, [Co(HL)(2)]NO3 center dot H2O (1) (H2L = 1-(N-3-methoxy-salicylideneimino)-ethane-2-ol), has been synthesized and characterized by several physicochemical methods. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that complex 1 features a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and the metal center is surrounded by two tridented N,O,O-donor Schiff base ligands (HL-). [Co(HL)(2)]NO3 center dot H2O (1) is capable of activating dioxygen in air to catalyze the epoxidation of various alkenes using isobutraldehyde as a co-reductant under homogeneous conditions. It was observed that the yield of the epoxides and their selectivity is highest in acetonitrile medium. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.