The catalytic oxidation of phenol in aqueous media using cobalt(II) complexes derived from N-(aryl) salicylaldimines

The synthesis of tetradentate cobalt(II) salicylaldiminato complexes and their catalytic evaluation in the oxidation of phenol is reported. Tetradentate cobalt complexes [Co(Ln)2] were obtained by reacting the N-(aryl)salicylaldimine ligands (HL1–HL6) with cobalt acetate in a 2:1 mole ratio. All complexes were characterized using FT-IR and elemental analysis. X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1, 2 and 5 have also been obtained. All complexes were found to be active for the oxidation process.