Silica iminopyridine-functionalized nanomaghemite enhances the oxygenation activity and durability of simple Co(II) salophen complex

A novel magnetically recoverable catalyst was produced by coordinative attachment of Co(II) salophen complex to silica iminopyridine (SIPy)-functionalized-γ-Fe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles (SMNP@SIPy/Co(II) salophen). The vibration spectra and compositional data provided sufficient evidences for the structural integrity of as-prepared organic–inorganic nanohybrid. The magnetic nanocatalyst proved to be an efficient and selective heterogeneous catalyst for oxidation of different benzylic alcohols and featured higher catalytic activity and stability than that of homogenous counterpart. A TOF of 151 h⁻¹ and TON of more than 322 were obtained for oxidation of 4-cholrobenzyl alcohol in this catalytic system. The supported catalyst could easily be recovered from the reaction mixture by an external magnetic field and reused for subsequent experiments with consistent catalytic activity.