Co (II) complex immobilized on functionalized graphene oxide: An efficient catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes

Abstract

In this research, the 1, 2-bis‌(4-pyridylthio)ethane (PTE) functionalized grapheme oxide is used as powerful support for immobilization of cobalt complex to deliver a novel heterogeneous catalyst (Co-PTE-GO) for epoxidation of alkenes. The Co-PTE-GO catalyst was characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Raman spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). These analyses confirmed high chemical and thermal stability of the designed catalyst. The Co-PTE-GO was used for epoxidation of linear and cyclic alkenes giving corresponding epoxides in high yields (81-97%). This catalyst was recovered and reused at least 4 times with keeping its performance under reaction conditions.

Keywords

• alkene epoxidation
• cobalt complex
• graphene oxide
• heterogeneous catalyst