Molecular, supramolecular structure and catalytic activity of transition metal complexes of phenoxy acetic acid derivatives

Six mononuclear complexes [M(L-1)(2)(H2O)(4)] (M = Co(II), 1a and M = Mn(II), 1b), [Cu(L-1)(2)(H2O)(2)] (1c) [Cu(L-1)(2)(H2O)(Py)(2)] (1d), [Cu(L-3)(H2O)Cl] center dot H2O (3a) and [Co(Sal)(H2O)(Py)(3)] center dot 2ClO(4) center dot H2O (3b) of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and Schiff base were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Co(II) (1a) and Mn(II) (1b) complexes are isomorphous. X-ray crystal structural analyses reveal that these coordination complexes form polymeric structure via formation of different types of hydrogen bonding and K-stacking interactions in solid. Thermal analysis along with the powder X-ray diffraction data of these complexes shows the importance of the coordinated and/or crystal water molecules in stabilizing the MOF structure. Complexes 1a, 1e, 3a show marginal catalytic activity in the oxidation of olefins to epoxides in the presence of i-butyraldehyde and molecular oxygen. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.