Synthesis,X-ray structure,DFT studies,and catalytic activity of a vanadium(V) complex containing a tridentate Schiff base

Reactions of a solution of NH₄VO₃ in H₂O₂ and water and salicylidene benzoyl hydrazine as a tridentate Schiff base (ONO) afford a six-coordinate V(V) complex VO(ONO)(OCH₃)(CH₃OH)] with a distorted octahedral configuration. The complexes VO(ONO)(OCH₃)(CH₃OH)] were isolated as air-stable crystalline solids and fully characterized, including by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. DFT calculations have been performed to understand the electronic structure of the complex. Vibrational frequencies and maximum absorption wavelengths of the complex theoretically calculated are in good agreement with experimental values. VO(ONO)(OCH₃)(CH₃OH)] shows efficient oxidation of sulfides to their corresponding sulfoxides using urea hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant at room temperature under air.