Polyfunctional activity of metal complexes containing 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol in catalytic oxidation

The results of the investigations of metal complexes containing 2,6-di-tert-butilphenol in the ligand environment in catalytic homogeneous oxidation of organic compounds are reviewed. The liquid-phase oxidation of hydrocarbons, olefins, aminophenol and unsaturated fatty acids by molecular oxygen in the presence of phthalocyanines, porphyrins, σ-aryl and π-allyl transition metal complexes is described. The change of the reactivity of organometallic and coordination compounds by oxidation of the redox active phenolic group opens up the possibility to use them as polyfunctional catalytic systems showing positive and/or negative catalytic effects.