Copper (II) complexes with Schiff Bases: synthesis, characterization and studies as catechol oxidation catalysts

• Grant number: 07/04592-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2007
• End date: August 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Edward Ralph Dockal
• Grantee: Thiago Sevilhano Puglieri
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Transition metal complexes participate in many chemical processes. The study of these complexes is very interesting because of the diversified chemistry and for their great utility. Transition metal complexes act as catalysts in various homogenous and heterogeneous systems. The catalytic activity of these complexes is due to the presence of only one active site for the catalytic reaction. Thus this type of reaction can be advantageous due to the elevated selectivity of the metal center. For these reasons, the object of this project is the systematic study involving various series of mono- and binuclear Schiff bases copper(II) complexes. The object of the use of these complexes as catalysts is not only an increase in the yield but also the stereoselectivity of the reaction products. The new catalysts will be initially characterized by various techniques such as their visible-ultraviolet and infrared spectra, and whatever other technique that is considered necessary. In the same way, the substrates used in this project will be previously characterized. The catalytic reaction should be carried out in flasks and the progress of the reaction monitored by gas chromatography. The kinetics of some reactions will also be followed by spectrophotometric techniques in the visible region. The products of the reactions also will be characterized by their electronic, vibrational and 1H and 13C spectra.