Catalytic activity of [Rh(CO)2(bBzlH2py)]Cl.1.5H2O and [CoCl(bBzlH2py)2]Cl.2H2O

The complex [Rh(CO)(2)(bBzlH(2)py)Cl.1.5H(2)O [bBzlH(2)py = 2,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine] reversibly binds CO and in alcoholic solvents loses CO to form yellow [RhCl(bBzlH(2)py)(OH2)].H2O. When NO or O-2 gas was passed through a 2-methoxy ethanolic solution of [Rh(CO)(2)(bBzlH(2)py))Cl, formation of CO2 was observed. Hence the possible catalytic activity of the complex towards the reactions NO + CO, CO + O-2, and NO + O-2 was studied and the NO + CO system is quite promising. The complexes [Rh(CO)(2)(bBzlH(2)py)Cl-1.5H(2)O and [CoCl(bBzlH(2)py)2]Cl.2H(2)O were tested for their possible catalytic activity towards oxidation of alcohols using O-2 and H2O2/O-2 as oxidants. These complexes in the presence of H2O2 at refluxing temperature convert alcohols to aldehydes/ketones/acids.