Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines on Solid-State Mesoporous Matrices as Catalysts in Oxidation Reactions

The review presents recent examples of heterogenic catalysts based on porphyrins and phthalocyanines loaded on mesoporous materials, such as MCM-41, SBA-15, MCM-48, SBA-16 or Al-MCM-41. Heterogenic approach to catalysis eases recovery, reuse and prevent macrocycle aggregation. In this application, mesoporous silica is a promising candidate for anchoring macrocycle and obtaining a new catalyst. Introduction of porphyrin or phthalocyanine into the mesoporous material may be performed through adsorption of the macrocycle, or by its in situ formation-by reaction of substrates introduced to the pores of the catalytic material. Catalytic reactions studied are oxidation processes, focused on alkane, alkene or arene as substrates. The products obtained are usually epoxides, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes or acids. The greatest interest lies in oxidation of cyclohexane and cyclohexene, as a source of adypic acid and derivatives. Some of the reactions may be viewed as biomimetic processes, resembling processes that occur in vivo and are catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzyme family.

Automated summary

The review highlights the use of heterogenic catalysts based on porphyrins and phthalocyanines loaded on mesoporous materials for oxidation reactions, with a focus on alkane, alkene, and arene substrates. Mesoporous silica is a promising candidate for anchoring macrocycles and obtaining new catalysts. The catalytic reactions studied are primarily aimed at producing epoxides, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, or acids, with a particular interest in the oxidation of cyclohexane and cyclohexene. Some reactions exhibit biomimetic processes resembling those catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme family.