Catalytic activity of MnTUD-1 for liquid phase oxidation of ethylbenzene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Manganese was incorporated into silica matrix of TUD-1 using tetraethylene glycol (TEG) as the template. Three samples with Si/Mn ratio of 115, 44 and 18 were prepared and characterized by various techniques. MnTUD-1 is shown to be mesoporous with tetrahedrally coordinated Mn when Si/Mn = 115; and nano-particles of manganese oxides are visible at higher loading of manganese (Si/Mn = 44 and 18). The catalytic activity of MnTUD-1 was explored in the liquid-phase oxidation of ethylbenzene with tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. Influence of various reaction parameters such as time, Si/Mn ratio, oxidant and solvent were studied. Finally the catalytic activity also compared with well-known microporous and mesoporous catalysts like MnAlPO-5, Mn containing MCM-41, MCM-48 and SBA-15.