Thiol-oxidation with zeolite encapsulated phthalocyanines: Influence of the solid support

The catalytic activity of zeolite encapsulated cobalt-phthalocyanine for thiol autoxidation varies with the composition of the zeolite support. Different zeolites were compared with carbon supports, The Si/Al ratio in the zeolite appears to be the key factor: it determines the hydrophobicity of the support, and it influences the loading of active complex in the zeolite. Two different types of reaction were tested: in an aqueous alkaline medium, the activity increases with hydrophobicity of the support (thus giving carbon a substantial advantage), while in an organic medium, were the commonly used systems are less efficient, sodium Y zeolite is more active than the usual carbon support.