Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of a polymer-supported copper(II) complex with a thiosemicarbazone ligand

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/s11243-011-9459-1

A thiosemicarbazone Cu(II) complex anchored to a polystyrene framework has been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The complex was found to be a highly active catalyst for the oxidation of various organic substrates including alkenes and alcohols using H ₂O₂ as oxidant. The reaction conditions were optimized with respect to temperature, solvent, oxidant, catalyst amount, and substrate to peroxide ratio. The heterogeneous catalyst was reused five times without significant loss of activity. A comparison between the catalytic activities of this polymer-supported Cu(II) complex and its homogeneous analogue was carried out.