An efficient heterogeneous Cu(I) complex for the catalytic oxidation of alcohols and sulfides: synthesis, characterization, and investigation of the catalyst activity

A heterogeneous Cu(I) complex was synthesized by reaction of C5H4NC(O)NHP(O)[NHC(CH3)(3)](2) (L) with CuCl and used as a catalyst for green oxidation of aromatic alcohols and sulfides. According to the characterization results obtained from P-31 NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, mass, XRD, elemental analysis, and molar conductivity techniques, the chemical formula of the complex (1) was suggested as [CuClL2]. Parameters on the catalytic activity (reaction temperature, the substrate to oxidant molar ratio, catalyst amount, and solvent type) were optimized, using H2O2 as a green oxidant, and excellent conversion amounts (100%) were achieved under optimal conditions. Moreover, the generality and recyclability of the catalyst were tested and confirmed. A comparison between the oxidation results of the alcohol and sulfide in the presence of 1 with other catalysts indicated that in most cases 1 showed better efficiency, in a more reasonable reaction time and conditions. [GRAPHICS] .