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  • Supported C-Scorpionate Vanadium(IV) Complexes as Reusable Catalysts for Xylene Oxidation
    Publication . Wang, Jiawei; Martins, Luisa; Da Costa Ribeiro, Ana Paula; Carabineiro, Sonia Alexandra Correia; Figueiredo, José L.; Pombeiro, Armando
    C-Scorpionate vanadium(IV) [VOxCl3-x{k(3)-RC(pz)(3)}] [pz = pyrazol-1-yl; x=0, R = SO3 (1); x = 1, R= CH2OH (2) or CH2OSO2Me (3)] complexes supported on functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the first V-scorpionate catalysts used so far for the neat oxidation of o-, m- or p-xylene, with TBHP (70% aqueous solution), to the corresponding toluic acids (main products), tolualdehydes and methylbenzyl alcohols. Remarkably, a p-toluic acid yield of 43% (73% selectivity, TON = 1.34 V 10(3)) was obtained with 2@CNT in a simple microwave-assisted mild oxidation procedure, using a very low catalyst charge (3.2 x 10(-2) mol% vs. substrate). Further, this occurred in the absence of any bromine source, what is significant towards the development of a greener and more sustainable process for oxidation of xylenes. Moreover, reuse of catalysts with preservation of their activity was found for up to six consecutive cycles. The effects of reaction parameters, such as reaction time, temperature, amount of catalyst or type of heating source, on the performance of the above catalytic systems are reported and discussed.
  • Supported gold nanoparticles as reusable catalysts for oxidation reactions of industrial significance
    Publication . Martins, Luisa; Carabineiro, Sonia Alexandra Correia; Wang, Jiawei; Rocha, Bruno G. M.; Maldonado Hódar, Francisco Jose; Pombeiro, Armando
    The efficient single-pot oxidative functionalisation of alkanes and alcohols under mild conditions was catalysed by Au nanoparticles supported on Al2O3, Fe2O3, ZnO and TiO2. The obtained materials were tested for cyclohexane oxidation under mild conditions (60 °C, atmospheric pressure) using an environmentally friendly oxidant (H2O2). The materials were also tested in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and methylbenzyl alcohol in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide as the oxidant under microwave irradiation. With regard to cyclohexane oxidation, all materials were highly selective towards the formation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. No traces of byproducts were detected under the optimised conditions. Au on Fe2O3 led to the best results (13.5 % yield). This system showed an interesting almost exclusive formation of cyclohexanol at 4 h reaction time. Catalyst recycling was tested in up to five cycles, and the catalyst maintained almost the original level of activity after three cycles with no significant leaching. With regard to oxidation of benzyl alcohol and methylbenzyl alcohol, all materials were highly selective towards the formation of benzaldehyde or acetophenone, respectively. No traces of byproducts were detected. Addition of Au increased alcohol conversion from 5 (TiO2) to 91 % (Au/TiO2). The recycling of Au/TiO2 was tested in up to 10 cycles, and the catalytic activity remained high in the first four cycles.