Preparation and characterization of functionalized Cu(II) Schiff base complex on mesoporous MCM-41 and its application as effective catalyst for the oxidation of sulfides and oxidative coupling of thiols

An efficient and highly selective heterogeneous catalyst was prepared via immobilization of Cu(II) Schiff base complex on mesporous MCM-41. The Schiff base complex has been derived from 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3-amino propyl triethoxysilan, which is chemically anchored on the surface of MCM-41. Finally, resulting ligand was reacted with copper nitrate to produce Cu(II) Schiff base complex-MCM-41. Finally, resulting ligand was reacted with copper nitrate to produce Cu(II) Schiff base complex-MCM-41. The mesoporous catalyst has been characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, small angle X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and N-2 adsorption-desorption study. This heterogeneous catalyst showed excellent catalytic efficiency in the oxidation of various sulfides and thioles in the presence of urea hydrogen peroxide as oxidant and could be reused for at least 4 cycles without significant loss in activity.