Catalytic activity of some new copper(II) azo-complexes

Copper(II) complexes Cu(L)₂]?·?nH₂O, where L is 3-(p-X-)-4-hydroxy-l,2-naphthoquinone (for L1, X?=?H; L2, X?=?CH₃; L3, X?=?Cl; L4, X?=?Br; and L5, X?=?NO₂), have been synthesized and characterized by analytical, electrochemical, spectroscopic (IR, UV-Vis, ESR, and ¹H NMR), and magnetic methods. From the data obtained, square-planar geometry has been assigned for all the complexes. CuL1]?·?H₂O exhibits catalytic activity for oxidation of benzyl alcohol, piperonyl alcohol, and cinnamyl alcohol into their respective aldehydes in the presence of H₂O₂ as co-oxidant and in CH₃CN and H₂O as solvents at room temperature.