Novel dioxomolybdenum complexes containing ONO-tridentate Schiff base ligands derived from 4-aminobenzohydrazide: synthesis, spectral characterization, and application as efficient homogeneous catalysts for selective sulfoxidation

Novel dioxomolybdenum Schiff base complexes, [MoO2(L-n)(CH3OH)], were synthesized by the reaction of MoO2(acac)(2) and ONO donor Schiff base ligands (H2Ln) derived by the condensation of 4-aminobenzohydrazide and substituted salicylaldehydes. The synthesized ligands and their complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and elemental analysis (CHN). The geometries around the central metal atom in the complexes were suggested distorted octahedral. Moreover, the catalytic efficiency of the complexes was investigated by oxidizing the aryl and alkyl sulfides in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide in 1,2-dichloroethane under reflux conditions. This method has numerous ascendancies, such as high yield, short reaction time, and excellent selectivity to produce corresponding sulfoxides without overoxidation to sulfones.

Automated summary

A novel series of dioxomolybdenum Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. The complexes exhibited a distorted octahedral geometry around the central metal atom, and displayed high catalytic efficiency in oxidizing aryl and alkyl sulfides with excellent selectivity and high yields.