Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Metallo Octamethylcalix (4) Pyridino Complexes Encapsulated in MCM-41

The synthesis and encapsulation of M+n-octamethylcalix(4)pyridino complexes using acetone and pyridine in H-MCM-41 have been achieved and presented. These hybrid catalysts are characterized by x-ray diffraction, infrared, thermal analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, and scanning electron microscopy and tested for catalytic activity. They are active in the liquid-phase oxidation of p-xylene using H2O2 as oxidant and acetic acid as solvent in the temperature range of 30-100 degrees C. The variation of central transition-metal cation and the heterocyclic ring in the metallomacrocycle influence the catalytic activity. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications (R) for the following free supplemental resource(s): Full experimental and spectral details.]