Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene over host (zeolite-Y)/guest (copper(II) complexes of tetraaza macrocyclic ligands) nanocomposite materials

Cu(II) complexes of 14- and 16-membered tetraaza macrocyclic ligands have been encapsulated in nanopores of zeolite-Y by a two-step process in the liquid phase: (1) adsorption of [bis(diamine)copper(II)] (diamine = 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,2-diaminobenzene, and 1,3-diaminobenzene); [Cu(N-N)2]2+-NaY; in the nanopores of the zeolite-Y and (2) in situ condensation of the copper(II) precursor complex with ethylcinnamate. The new host-guest nanocomposite materials were characterized by chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods. The oneato and encapsulated complexes exhibit good catalytic activity in the oxidation of ethylbenzene at 333 K, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Acetophenone was the major product though small amounts of o- and p-hydroxyacetophenones were also formed revealing that C-H bond activation takes place both at benzylic and aromatic ring carbon atoms.