Liquid-phase catalytic oxidation of organic substrates by a recyclable polymer-supported copper(II) complex

Chloromethylated polystyrene beads cross-linked with 6.5 % divinylbenzene were functionalized with 2-(2'-pyridyl) benzimidazole (PBIMH) and on subsequent treatment with Cu(OAc)(2) in methanol gave a polymer-supported diacetatobis(2-pyridylbenzimidazole)copper(II) complex [PS-(PBIM)(2)Cu(II)], which was characterized by physicochemical techniques. The supported complex showed excellent catalytic activity toward the oxidation of industrially important organic compounds such as phenol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, styrene, and ethylbenzene. An effective catalytic protocol was developed by varying reaction parameters such as the catalyst and substrate concentrations, reaction time, temperature, and substrate-to-oxidant ratio to obtain maximum selectivity with high yields of products. Possible reaction mechanisms were worked out. The catalyst could be recycled five times without any metal leaching or much loss in activity. This catalyst is truly heterogeneous and allows for easy work up, as well as recyclability and excellent product yields under mild conditions.