Synthesis,characterization, and catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene over host (zeolite-Y)/guest (copper(II) complexes of tetraaza macrocyclic ligands) nanocomposite materials

Cu(II) complexes of 14- and 16-membered tetraaza macrocyclic ligands have been encapsulated in nanopores of zeolite-Y by a two-step process in the liquid phase: (1) adsorption of bis(diamine)copper(II)] (diamine = 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,2-diaminobenzene, and 1,3-diaminobenzene); Cu(N–N)₂]²⁺–NaY; in the nanopores of the zeolite-Y and (2) in situ condensation of the copper(II) precursor complex with ethylcinnamate. The new host–guest nanocomposite materials were characterized by chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods. The “neat” and encapsulated complexes exhibit good catalytic activity in the oxidation of ethylbenzene at 333 K, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Acetophenone was the major product though small amounts of o- and p-hydroxyacetophenones were also formed revealing that C–H bond activation takes place both at benzylic and aromatic ring carbon atoms.