Co-Schiff base complexes functionalized on graphene as efficient heterogeneous nanocatalysts for alcohols oxidation

Different Schiff base complexes were prepared by immobilizing three aldehydes (4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 2-Pyridinecarboxaldehyde) on graphene oxide and were fully characterized using multiple techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM-EDS, and TEM. Then efficient heterogeneous catalysts were checked out in the selective catalytic oxidation of benzylic alcohols. The effects of different parameters, such as reaction time and temperature, were examined to obtain optimum reaction conditions. The solvent-free oxidation reaction of benzylic alcohols showed a conversion above 70% and selectivity higher than 95% in the presence of cobalt (II) Schiff base catalysts using H2O2 as an oxidant after 40 min of reaction. The reusability experiment results specified that the prepared catalysts could maintain high catalytic activity in the oxidation of benzylic alcohols (>80%) and selectivity (>96%) even after being used for three cycles.