Ni (II) schiff base complex immobilized on graphene oxide nano-sheets catalyzed epoxidation of alkenes

Ni (II) schiff base complex was synthesized by the reaction of nickel acetate tetrahydrate with N, N'-Bis(2,4-di-hydroxybenzaldehyde)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine and supported on modified grapheme oxide nano-sheets using 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane as a reactive surface modifier. The heterogeneous nano-catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and atomic absorption spectroscopy. This catalyst was used for the epoxidation of alkenes using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant, giving excellent conversions and selectivity. The catalyst showed great reusability and selectivity without significant loss of activity in the epoxidation reactions.