Novel fluorinated polyimides derived from 9,9-bis(4-amino-3,5-difluorophenyl)fluorene and aromatic dianhydrides

Novel fluorinated polyimides (PIs) were prepared from 9,9-bis(4-amino-3,5-difluorophenyl)fluorene with three aromatic dianhydrides via a one-step high-temperature polycondensation procedure. These obtained PIs showed excellent solubility and could be readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as NMP, DMAc, DMF, CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂ and THF. All the PIs could afford flexible and strong films with low dielectric constants (2.62-2.79 at 1 MHz) and low moisture absorptions (0.18-0.41%). Thin films of these PIs exhibited high optical transparency and light color, with the cutoff wavelength at 341-355 nm and transmittance higher than 80% at 450 nm. Meanwhile, these PIs possessed eminent thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures (T_d) above 570 °C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres and glass transition temperatures (T_g) beyond 376 °C. Moreover, these fluorinated PI films showed low surface free energy and hydro-oleophobic character. The contact angles on the films for water and glycerol were in the range of 102.3-107.9° and 94.0-100.3°, respectively. In comparison with the analogous PI non-containing fluorine group, these fluorinated PIs showed better solubility, higher optical transparency, lower dielectric constants and lower surface free energy.     

Synthesis of branched polyimides based on 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene and an oligomeric trianhydride,a 1,3,5-triaminotoluene derivative

A new three-arm reactive oligomer (A3) with three end anhydride groups is prepared via the high-temperature cyclocondensation of 1,3,5-triaminotoluene disulfate with excess 2,2-propylidene-bis(phenyl-4-oxyphthalic acid) dianhydride in molten benzoic acid at 140°C in the presence of [2.2.2]-diazobicyclooctane. A branched polyimide is synthesized via the one-step high-temperature catalytic polycondensation of oligomer A3 with 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene in benzoic acid at 140°C via scheme (A3 + B2) and characterized.     

A new mesogenic fluorene derivative: 2,7-bis(4-pentylphenyl)-9,9-diethyl-9H-fluorene

The title compound, 2,7-bis(4-pentylphenyl)-9,9-diethyl-9H-fluorene, is a new mesogenic compound containing the fluorene moiety. It exhibits a monotropic nematic liquid crystalline behaviour, with isotropisation temperature of 53°C. The compound is also polymorphic in the solid state, with one crystal phase melting at 103°C and another one melting at 71°C. The crystal and molecular structure of the high melting solid phase have been determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals are monoclinic, with cell dimensions a = 16.649(6) Å, b = 8.305(3) Å, c = 24.598(7) Å, β = 111.60(2)?, space group P2₁/c and four molecules in the unit cell. Refinement leads to R = 0.0558. The two terminal alkyl chains and one phenyl ring are disordered over two split positions. The imbricated molecular packing observed in the solid state seems to resemble that of the nematic phase that is formed upon cooling the melt.     

Syntheses and properties of aromatic polyamides and polyimides derived from 9,9-bis[4-(p-aminophenoxy)phenyl]fluorene

9,9-Bis[4-(p-aminophenoxy)phenyl]fluorene ( II ) was used as a monomer with various aromatic dicarboxylic acids and tetracarboxylic dianhydrides to synthesize polyamides and polyimides, respectively. The diamine II was derived by a nucleophilic substitution of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene with p-chloronitrobenzene in the presence of K₂CO₃ and then hydro-reduced. Polyamides IV _a-g having inherent viscosities of 0.73–1.39 dL/g were prepared by the direct polycondensation of the diamine II with various aromatic diacids using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. All the aromatic polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in various polar solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Transparent and flexible films of these polymers could be cast from the DMAc solutions. These aromatic polyamides had glass transition temperatures in the range of 283–309°C and 10% weight loss occurred up to 460°C. The polyimides were synthesized from diamine II and various aromatic dianhydrides via the two-stage procedure that included ring-opening poly-addition in DMAc to give poly(amic acid)s, followed by thermal or chemical conversion to polyimides. The poly(amic acid)s had inherent viscosities of 0.62–1.78 dL/g, depending on the dianhydrides. Most of the aromatic polyimides obtained by chemical cyclization were found to be soluble in NMP. These polyimides showed almost no weight loss up to 500°C in air or nitrogen atmosphere. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Syntheses and characterization of poly(iminophenol)s derived from 4-bromobenzaldehyde: Thermal, optical, electrochemical and fluorescent properties

Schiff base monomers[2-（4-bromobenzylideneamino）phenol and 2-（4-bromobenzylideneamino）-5-methylphenol] were synthesized by the condensation reaction of 4-bromobenzaldehyde with aromatic aminophenols.Then,the monomers were converted to their polyphenol derivatives by oxidative polycondensation reactions（OP） in an aqueous alkaline medium. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by solubility tests,FT-IR,NMR,TG-DTA,DSC and SEC techniques.The HOMO-LUMO energy levels and electrochemical（E_g ） and optical（E_g） band gaps were calculated from cyclic voltammetry（CV） and UV-Vis measurements,respectively.Cyclic voltammetry（CV） was used to determine the electrochemical oxidation-reduction characteristics.Optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence analyses.Solid state electrical conductivities were measured on polymer films by four point probe technique using a Keifhley 2400 electrometer.The effects of electron-donating（-CH₃） group at p-position of -NH₂ group in aminophenol on electrochemical and thermal properties were also discussed.Photoluminescence（PL） properties of the synthesized materials were determined in solution forms using different solvents.Fluorescence measurements were carried out in various concentrated solutions to determine the optimum concentrations to obtain the maximal PL intensities.     

Synthesis and characterization of self-assembled coordination polymers of N-diaminomethylene-4-(3-formyl-4-hydroxy-phenylazo)-benzenesulfonamide

The azo dye ligand N-diaminomethylene-4-(3-formyl-4-hydroxy-phenylazo)-benzenesulfonamide (HL) and Cu(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) coordination polymers were synthesized in addition to a non-polymeric Pd(II) complex. In all complexes, the ligand bonds to the metal ion through the formyl and α-hydroxy oxygen atoms. The sulfonamide oxygen also coordinates to the metal. The complexes are formulated as [ML₂] _n , where M?=?Cu(II), Co(II), and Mn(II), and [ML(Cl)(H₂O)], where M?=?Pd(II). On the basis of spectral studies and magnetic susceptibility measurements, an octahedral geometry was assigned to Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes, tetragonally elongated octahedral geometry for Cu(II) complex, while the Pd(II) complex was found to be square planar. Crystallization of Cu(II) complex from DMF afforded single crystals of general formula {[Cu(L)₂]?·?3DMF} _n (2). X-ray structural analysis of 2 revealed that each Cu(II) adopts elongated octahedral geometry affording 1-D chains. The chains are connected by hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of 2-D supramolecular assemblies. The crystal structure of HL has also been determined and discussed. Cyclic voltammetric behavior of the ligand and some complexes are also discussed.     

Organosoluble and light-colored fluorinated polyimides based on 9,9-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]fluorene and aromatic dianhydrides

A novel fluorinated diamine monomer, 9,9-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]fluorene (II) was prepared via the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzotrifluoride with 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene in the presence of potassium carbonate, followed by catalytic reduction with hydrazine and Pd/C. Polyimides V were synthesized from diamine II and various aromatic dianhydrides III _a-f via thermal imidization. These polymers had inherent viscosities ranging from 0.84 to 1.03 dL/g and were soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as NMP, DMAc, DMF, and DMSO, and some could even be dissolved in less polar solvents such as m-cresol, pyridine, and dioxane. Polyimide films V _a-f had tensile strengths of 85–105 MPa, elongations to break of 7–9%, and initial moduli of 2.13–2.42 GPa. The glass transition temperature of these polymers were in the range of 277–331 °C, their 10% weight loss temperatures were in the range of 539–594 °C in nitrogen and above 544 °C in air, and their char yields at 800 °C in nitrogen ranged between 55–65 wt%. Compared with nonfluorinated polyimides VI, V showed better solubility and lower color intensity. Low dielectric constants (2.68–2.85 at 1 MHz) and low moisture absorptions (0.12–0.24 wt%) were also observed. In particular, V _c-f afforded lightly-colored films, which had cutoff wavelengths lower than 385 nm and b* values ranging from 6 to 22.     

Polyaniline and polypyrrole: A comparative study of the preparation

Aniline and pyrrole have been oxidized with ammonium peroxydisulfate in aqueous solutions, in the presence of equimolar quantities of hydrochloric acid. The oxidation of pyrrole was faster; the induction period typical of aniline oxidation was absent in the case of pyrrole. As the proportion of oxidant-to-monomer molar concentration increased up to 1.5, the yield increased in both cases. Similarities between the two oxidations are illustrated and discussed. The oxidant-to-monomer molar ratio 1.25 is proposed to be the optimum stoichiometry, in the accordance with the data published in the literature. The conductivities of the polymers prepared were only slightly dependent on the oxidant-to-monomer ratio in the range 0.3-1.5, and were of the order of 10⁰ S cm⁻¹ for polyaniline and ∼10⁻²-10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ for polypyrrole. Outside this interval, the conductivity of both polymers was reduced. Polyaniline having conductivity ∼10 S cm⁻¹ was produced in solutions of phosphoric acid of various concentrations. On the contrary, the conductivity of polypyrrole was reduced as the concentration of phosphoric acid became higher. The type of protonation is discussed with the help of FTIR spectra by analyzing the ammonium salts obtained after deprotonation. Sulfate or hydrogen sulfate anions produced from peroxydisulfate always constitute a part of the counter-ions.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of 1,1′-bis(phosphino)cobaltocenium compounds

The electrochemistry of 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ([dppc][PF₆]), 1,1′-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ([dcpc][PF₆]), 1,1′-bis(di-iso-propylphosphino)cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ([dippc][PF₆]), and 1-(di-tert-butylphosphino)cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ([1-dtbpc][PF₆]) was examined in methylene chloride with tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate as the supporting electrolyte. A reversible reductive wave followed by an irreversible wave at more negative potentials was observed. Ten new phosphinothioyl ([dppcS₂][PF₆], [dcpcS₂][PF₆], [dippcS₂][PF₆], [1-dtbpcS][PF₆], and 1,1′-bis(dicyclohexylphosphinothioyl)ferrocene) and phosphinoselenoyl derivatives ([dppcSe₂][PF₆], [dcpcSe₂][PF₆], [dippcSe₂][PF₆], [1-dtbpcSe][PF₆], and 1,1′-bis(dicyclohexylphosphinoselenoyl)ferrocene) were prepared and characterized, and the structures of eight of these compounds were determined. The electrochemistry of these phosphinochalcogenyl cobaltocenium compounds, as well as the previously prepared [dppcO₂][PF₆], displayed two reversible reductive waves at potentials less negative than that of the free phosphines. A correlation was found to exist between the Hammett substituent constant σ_p and the reduction potentials of these compounds. In addition, the phosphinoselenoyl [dppcSe₂][PF₆], [dcpcSe₂][PF₆], and [dippcSe₂][PF₆] displayed an electrochemically irreversible oxidative wave, potentially indicating an intramolecular Se-Se bonded trication. The electrochemistry of three new and five previously reported transition metal complexes of the general formula [M_nCl₂(P^∩P)][PF₆] (M = Pd or Pt, n = 1, P^∩P = dppc, dcpc or dippc; M = Au, n = 2, P^∩P = dppc or dcpc)) was also examined displaying at least two reductive waves at potentials less negative than that of the free phosphines. Comparison of the electrochemical data with that previously obtained for analogous ferrocenes indicates that a correlation exists between the reduction potentials of the cobaltocenium phosphines and the potentials at which oxidation of the ferrocene phosphines occurs. In addition, the structure of [Au₂Cl₂(dppc)][PF₆] was determined.     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble polyamides derived from 2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,5-dimethyltetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one

A new oxypyrone diamine, 2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,5-dimethyltetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one (DAPP), was prepared from 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and 3-oxa-n-pentane in a two-step reaction with a high yield and a high purity. Aromatic polyamides were obtained from this novel condensation monomer and several diacid chlorides through the conventional low-temperature solution method in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Polycondensation results were consistent with a high reactivity for DAPP because high yields and high molecular weight polyamides were obtained with inherent viscosities up to 1.8 dL/g. The reactivity of DAPP was also estimated with theoretical calculations from computer programs for molecular simulation, with orbital and charge factors considered. The polymers showed improved solubility in organic solvents, relative to conventional wholly aromatic polyamides, and high glass-transition temperatures (from differential scanning calorimetry) over 270 °C. However, the thermal resistance, as estimated by thermogravimetric analysis, was lower than that of conventional aromatic polyamides; nevertheless, decomposition temperatures well beyond 300 °C were observed in nitrogen and air. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1825–1832, 2001     

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical and electrical properties of novel mono and ball-type metallophthalocyanines with four 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene

The new mono-nuclear 4-5 and ball-type homo-dinuclear 6 phthalocyanines have been synthesized from the corresponding phthalodinitrile derivative 3. The synthesized compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis, IR,(1)H-NMR and MALDI-TOF-mass spectroscopies. The redox behaviours of the complexes were identified by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. The temperature dependence of the electronic properties of compounds and adsorption of SO(2) on thin film of 6 were investigated by conductivity measurements using an interdigital transducer structure on glass substrate. Dc conductivity, measured between 300-475 K, is thermally activated with the activation energy ranging between 0.67 and 0.90 eV. The ac conductivity is found to vary with frequency, ω, as ω(s) in which the frequency exponent s decreases with temperature suggesting a hopping conduction mechanism for all compounds. The SO(2) sensing result showed that the spin coated film of 6 exhibits very good SO(2) sensing properties, fast response and recovery rate, high sensitivity and good repeatability.     

Electrocatalytic oxidation of thiosulfate at2,7-bis(ferrocenylethyl)-fluoren-9-one-modified carbon paste electrode(2,7-BFEFMCPE): Application to the catalytic determination of thiosulfate in real sample

<正>Electrocatalytic oxidation of thiosulfate at the 2,7-BFEFMCPE occurs at a potential about 460 mV less positive than that unmodified carbon paste electrode.The diffusion coefficient(=5.6×10~(-5) cm~2 s~(-1)),the kinetic parameters such as electron transfer coefficient,(=0.5) and k_h(=1.21×10~(-3) cm s~(-1)) of thiosulfate oxidation at the surface of,2,7-BFEFMCPE were determined.The electrocatalytic oxidation peak current of thiosulfate showed two linear dynamic ranges(0.0006-0.009 mmol/L and 0.009- 0.900 mmol/L) and a detection limit of 0.00015 mmol/L.This method was also examined as a new electrochemical sensor for the determination of thiosulfate in real sample.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Characterization of [FeIIILCl3] (L = 1, 4, 8‐Triazacycloundecane, 1, 4, 7‐Triazacyclononane)

The structures of [Fe^III(tacud)Cl₃] ( 1 ) and [Fe^III(tacn)Cl₃] ( 2 ) (tacud = 1, 4, 8‐triazacycloundecane, tacn = 1, 4, 7‐triazacyclononane) are reported. Both compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 12.5570(9), b = 12.0028(9), c = 8.2577(6) Å, V = 1244.59(16) ų, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 12.095(4), b = 11.125(4), c = 7.963(3) Å, V = 1071.5(6) ų, and Z = 4 for 2 . The structures of 1 and 2 feature iron(III) in distorted octahedral arrangement with three facially coordinated nitrogen ligands and three chlorides. Bidirectional intermolecular hydrogen bonding between N–H groups and coordinated chlorides is seen for 1 and 2 . Compound 1 is the first example of iron(III) bonded to tacud and compound 2 is only the second structure reported of a 1:1 complex between iron and tacn. The Fe^3+/2+ redox couple for 1 is observed at E_1/2 = 0.25 V (ΔE_p = 99 mV), and for 2 at E_1/2 = 0.09 V (ΔE_p = 108 mV) versus NHE in DMF at 298 K. Comparison of structural, magnetic, and electrochemical properties for 1 and 2 reveal subtle differences consistent with the stronger coordinating properties of tacn relative to tacud.     

Synthesis, characterization, physical properties, and applications of highly fluorescent pyrene-functionalized 9,9-bis(4-diarylaminophenyl)fluorene in organic light-emitting diodes

A new, highly fluorescent pyrene-functionalized 9,9-bis(4-diarylaminophenyl)fluorene, namely PTF, was synthesized and characterized. This material is an amorphous molecular glass with notably high T_g, is electrochemically stable, and exhibits strong blue emission both in solution and solid state. It shows promising ability as a solution processed blue emitter and hole-transporter for OLEDs. High-efficiency sky-blue and Alq3-based green devices with luminance efficiencies of 1.13 and 4.08 cd/A are achieved, respectively.     

Synthesis of acrylate and norbornene polymers with pendant 2,7-bis(diarylamino)fluorene hole-transport groups

New hole-transport monomers have been synthesized in which a 2,7-(diarylamino)fluorene hole-transport functionality is linked through the 9-position of the fluorene bridge to a polymerizable acrylate or norbornene group; these monomers have been polymerized under free-radical and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) conditions, respectively. The norbornene monomer has also been copolymerized with a cinnamate-functionalized norbornene; this copolymer can be rendered insoluble through photo-crosslinking of the cinnamate groups under UV irradiation, thus permitting the use of the polymer in organic electronic devices based upon multiple polymer layers. The norbornene monomer has also been copolymerized with dicyclopentadiene to afford insoluble crosslinked films. Time-of-flight studies indicate that the norbornene polymer has a higher hole mobility than the analogous acrylate material, consistent with the predictions of the disorder formalism.     

Synthesis and characterization of soluble polyimides from 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)cycloalkane derivatives

New aromatic diamines [(1) and (2)] containing polycycloalkane structures between two benzene rings were synthesized by HCl-catalyzed condensation reaction of aniline hydrochloride and corresponding polycycloalkanone derivatives. The structures of diamines were identified by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The polyimides were synthesized from the obtained diamines with various aromatic dianhydrides by one-step polymerization in m-cresol. The inherent viscosities of the resulting polyimides were in the range of 0.34–1.02 dL/g. The polyimides showed good thermal stabilities and solubility. All the polymers were readily soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, m-cresol, tetrachloroethane, etc. Some of them were soluble even in chloroform at room temperature. The glass transition temperatures were observed in the range of 323–363°C, and all of the polymers were stable up to 400°C under nitrogen atmosphere. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3449–3454, 1999     

One-pot, high-yield synthesis of titanate nanotube bundles decorated by Pd (Au) clusters for stable electrooxidation of methanol

Titanate nanotube bundles assembled by several simple nanotubes were synthesized through a simple reaction between TiO₂ crystallites and highly concentrated NaOH in the presence of Au or Pd sols. Due to the unique scrolling growth mechanism of titanate nanotubes (TNTs), Au or Pd clusters were encapsulated in situ by TNTs, and titanate/Au and titanate/Pd nanotube bundles were formed. In comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or active carbon that was widely used as carriers to support metal clusters, TNTs bundles can immobilize the metal clusters tightly and overcome the shortcoming of exfoliation of metal clusters from the carriers. The as-prepared titanate/metal hybrids possess mesoporosity and high surface area. The electrochemical oxidation of methanol demonstrates that titanate/Pd hybrids exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and excellent stability, and hence they should be ideal catalyst candidates in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).     

Iron(III) nitrate-induced aerobic and catalytic oxidative cleavage of olefins

Microwave-assisted catalytic oxidative cleavage of olefins using Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O under O₂ is reported. This reaction system is particularly effective when 9-benzylidene-9H-fluorene derivatives are used as substrates even though they are tri- and tetra-substituted olefins.     

A complete numerical simulation of the techniques of alternating current linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry: analysis of a reversible process by conventional and fast Fourier transform methods

We describe the method of achieving the first completely general simulation of ac linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry making use of the fully implicit Richtmyer modification (FIRM) method. The simulation technique is applied to a reversible process under conditions where a sinusoidal waveform of any amplitude is superimposed onto the dc potential which is swept at a finite scan rate. Results, where possible, are compared with the existing theory derived at constant dc potential to confirm the fidelity of the simulation. In particular, we demonstrate excellent agreement with the results of Engblom et al. [J. Electroanal. Chem. xxx (1999) xxx] for large amplitude ac voltammetry described in the companion paper immediately preceding this article. The use of conventional and Fourier transform methods of data analysis are compared to highlight the advantages of the use of the fast Fourier transform algorithm in ac voltammetry.     

Synthesis,characterization and catalytic activity of halo-methyl-bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine cobalt(II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of a series of tetra-halo-dimethyl salen and di-halo-tetramethyl-salen ligands are reported in this paper: α,α′-dimethyl-Salen (dMeSalen) (L¹); 3,3′,5,5′-tetrachloro-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (tCldMeSalen) (L²); 3,3′-dibromo-5,5′-dichloro-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (dCldBrdMeSalen) (L³); 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromo-α,α′-dimethyl-Salen, (tBrdMeSalen) (L⁴); 3,3′,5,5′-tetraiodo-α,α′-dimethyl-salen, (tIdMeSalen) (L⁵); 3,3′-dichloro-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dCltMeSalen) (L⁶); 3,3′-dibromo-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dBrtMeSalen) (L⁷); and 3,3′-diiodo-5,5′,α,α′-tetramethyl-Salen (dItMeSalen) (L⁸) (Salen = bis(salicylaldehyde)ethylenediamine). Upon reaction with Co(II) ions, these ligands form complexes with square planar geometry that have been characterized by elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis, IR and EPR spectroscopies. In the presence of pyridine the obtained Co(II) complexes were found able to bind reversibly O₂, which was shown by EPR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. They were also found able to catalyze the oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (DtBuP) (9) with formation of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DtBuQ) (10) and 2,6,2′,6′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-diphenobenzoquinone (TtBuDQ) (11). These properties are first influenced by the coordination of pyridine in axial position of the Co(II) ion that causes an increase of the electronic density on the cobalt ion and as a consequence a decrease in the E_1/2 value and an increase of the reducing power of the Co(II) complex. It is noteworthy that, under those conditions the complexes also show a remarkable quasi-reversible behaviour. Second, complex properties are also influenced by the substituents (methyl and halogen) grafted on the aromatic ring and on the azomethynic groups. The donating methyl substituent on the azomethynic groups causes a decrease in the E_1/2 value, whereas the halogen substituents on the aromatic rings have two effects: a mesomeric donating effect that tends to lower the redox potential of the complex, and a steric effect that tends to decrease the conjugation of the ligand and then to increase the redox potential of the Co(II) complex. In pyridine, the steric effect predominates, which causes both an increase of the redox potential and a decrease of the selectivity of the oxidation of phenol 9. As a result of all these effects, it then appears that the best catalysts to realize the selective oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol (9) by O₂ are the Co complexes of ligands bearing CH₃ donating substituents, Co(dMeSalen) 1 (2CH₃ substituents), and Co-di-halo-tetra-methyl-salen complexes 6, 7 and 8 (4CH₃ substituents), in the presence of pyridine.