Sonochemical Preparation of Dipicolinamide Mn-complexes and Their Application as Catalysts Towards Sono-synthesis of Ketones

A series of non-heme Mn-complexes has been synthesized by the sonication of manganese (II)chloride and bis-amides (condensation products of 2-picolinic acid and o-phenylenediamines). The Mn-complexes effectively promote the oxidation of unactivated aliphatic and benzylic CH and N-bearing heterocycles substrates with low catalyst loading using eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide in the presence of acetic acid as additive under ultrasonic irradiation. Chromatographic studies revealed that the corresponding ketones are the only detectable products. Noteworthy, the presence of electron donors in the catalyst structure significantly increased the reaction yields. The substantial lowering of the oxidation reaction yields by adding ionol (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) as a free radical trap suggesting a free radical reaction pathway.