Synthesis, characterization and catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane by Host (zeolite-Y)-Guest (transition metal complexes of bis(salicyaldehyde)oxaloyldihydrazone)

The monomer transition metal complexes; [ML] (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)) have been synthesized from the reaction of metal acetate with bis(salicyaldehyde)oxaloyldihydrazone, H2L; in 1:1 molar ratio in ethanol under reflux. The complexes (Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)) are suggested to have four-coordinate square-planar stereochemistry while the Mn(II) complexe is suggested to have tetrahedral stereochemistry. These metal complexes with tetradendate Schiff-base ligand was entrapped in the nanocavity of zeolite-Y by a two-step process in the liquid phase: (i) adsorption of [bis(salicylaldiminato)metal(II)]; [M(sal)2]-NaY; in the supercages of the zeolite, and (ii) in situ Schiff condensation of the metal(II) precursor complex with oxaloyldihydrazone; [ML]-NaY. The new Host- Guest Nanocomposite Materials (HGNM) was characterized by several techniques: chemical analysis, spectroscopic methods (DRS, NMR, BET, FTIR and UV/Vis), conductometric and magnetic measurements. The catalytic activities for oxidation of cyclohexane with HGNM and neat were reported.