Co(II) Schiff base Complexes Encapsulated in the Nanopores of Zeolite Y as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Selective Epoxidation of Alkenes with Molecular Oxygen

Co(II) macrocyclic Schiff base complex nanoparticles have been encapsulated in the nanopores of zeolite Y. The new Schiff base complexes entrapped in the nanoreactor of zeolite Y were characterized by several techniques: chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, XRD, and DRS). These complexes (neat and encapsulated) were used for epoxidation of alkenes with O-2 as oxidant in different solvents. The catalyst demonstrated excellent activity for a variety of alkenes in a mild, inexpensive and efficient protocol. Reaction parameters including temperature, catalyst amount and solvent were screened by reaction time. The recycling experiment results indicated that the catalysts were highly stable and maintained activity and selectivity even after being used for five cycles.

Automated summary

In this study, Co(II) macrocyclic Schiff base complex nanoparticles were encapsulated in the nanopores of zeolite Y and characterized by various techniques. The catalyst showed excellent activity for epoxidation of alkenes with O-2 as oxidant in different solvents, demonstrating stability and recyclability even after five cycles of use.