Catalytic activity of CuI/CuII cyanide based phenanthroline-bicarbonate system for enhancing aerobic oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol

The metal organic framework {Cu₂(CN)₃(phen)₃]5H₂O} MOF1- bicarbonate system was investigated as an efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation of 2, 6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6- DTBP). The catalytic system showed very efficient catalytic behavior for the oxidation of selective coupling of 2,6- DTBP to 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-diphenoquinone (DPQ) in excellent yield. The influence of reaction parameters on the selective oxidation of 2, 6-DTBP to DPQ had been investigated. Photoluminescence probing technology of Disodium salt of terephthalic acid as well as scavenging experiments revealed the creation of the hydroxyl radicals as the main active oxidation radicals produced by the MOF1/O₂/basic bicarbonate system. The oxidation reaction mechanism was also discussed. The recycled catalytic system retained its activity for eight successive runs.