Crystal structure, electrochemistry, and catalytic studies of a series of new oxidovanadium(IV) Schiff-base complexes derived from 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethylenediamine

Abstract

New derivatives of N₂O₂ tetradentate Schiff bases, from condensation of meso-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethylenediamine and salicylaldehyde derivatives (X-salicylaldehyde; X = 3-OMe, 4-OMe, 5-OMe, 6-OMe, 5-Cl, 5-Me), and oxidovanadium(IV) complexes were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Crystal structure of 5-OMe; H₂L³ and two of the complexes (VOL² and VOL³) were also obtained. In the crystals, the molecule of H₂L³ is C_i symmetrical, as it occupies the special position on the center of symmetry; its conformation is partially determined by classical intramolecular O–H···N hydrogen bonds. The complexes have monomeric structures with a distorted square pyramid of vanadium, with the oxo ligand in the apical position. Cyclic voltammetry studies show quasi-reversible V^IV/V^V redox for which the presence of electron-withdrawing groups on salicylaldehyde derivatives shifts the E° to more positive values. The complexes were used as catalysts for selective epoxidation of cyclooctene with tert-butylhydroperoxide as oxidant, in various solvents and reaction conditions. High catalytic activities and excellent selectivity was found. The catalytic activity of the complexes increased increasing E°, a consequence of the presence of electronegative substituents. This epoxidation process with the new catalysts was also studied under solvent-free condition and excellent reactivity was observed.

Keywords:

• Schiff base
• Tetradentate
• Oxidovanadium(IV)
• Epoxidation

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the office of gifted student at the University of Semnan for the financial support.