Host (nanocavity of zeolite Y)/guest (Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of unsaturated 16-membered octaaza; 3,4,11,12-tetramethyl-1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14-octaazacyclohexadecane; Me4[16]aneN8 nanocomposite materials (HGNM): template synthesis, characterization and catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Nanocavity zeolite-Y (host) encapsulated Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of unsaturated 16-membered octaaza; 3,4,11,12-tetramethyl-1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14-octaazacyclohexadecane ‘Me4[16]aneN8’; macrocycle (guest) were synthesized and characterized by chemical analyses, s.e.m., x.r.d., u.v.–vis., d.r.s., surface area, pore volume, conductometric, magnetic measurements and i.r. spectroscopy with a view to confirming the encapsulation of complexes and to arrive at the composition, structure and geometry of encapsulated complexes. The characterization data show the absence of extraneous complexes, retention of zeolite crystaline structure and encapsulation in the nanocavities. Host–Guest Nanocomposite Materials (HGNM) ‘[M(Me4[16]aneN8)]2+-NaY’ are catalytically very efficient as compared to other neat complexes for the partial oxidation of benzyl alcohol which is stable and becomes recycled without much deterioration.