Octacarboxyphthalocyanines - Catalysts in oxidation of sulfur containing compounds

In this preliminary paper the octacarboxyphthalocyanines (MPcOC) were investigated as potential catalysts in aerobic oxidation of sulfur containing compounds. The investigations of their catalytic activity are interesting both regarding the basic research and owing to their ecological aspects. Water-soluble thiols and sulfides are highly dangerous for natural environment. Their oxidation leads to the markedly less harmful compounds. The catalytic activities of cobalt (CoPcOC), iron (FePcOC) and copper (CuPcOC) octacarboxyphthalocyanines in reaction of aerobic oxidation of 2-thioethanol, natrium sulfide and L-cysteine were examined. The complexes of cobalt and iron are effective homogeneous catalysts in above-mentioned reactions, especially in alkalized solutions. The following factors have impact on the activity: the metal complexed, pH value, association of the phthalocyanines in the solutions investigated.