Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a manganese(III) Schiff base complex and investigation of its catalytic activity in the oxidation of benzylic alcohols

A new Mn(III) Schiff base complex was prepared by the reaction of 6,6'-diethoxy-2,2'-[2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol with Mn(OAc)(2)center dot 4H(2)O. The complex was characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Also, its molecular structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex was used as a catalyst for the efficient oxidation of benzylic alcohols with tetrabutylammonium periodate. Various reaction parameters were optimized for the reaction of benzyl alcohol.