Liquid-Phase Catalytic Oxidation of Styrene by a Fiber-Supported Copper(II) Complex with High Catalytic Performance

Abstract

A new type of polymer-supported catalyst, [PS-(PBIM)2Cu (II)], was synthesized by loading 2-(2’-pyridyl) benzimidazole on chloromethylated propylene-styrene graft copolymer fiber and subsequent treatment with Cu (OAc)2 in methanol. The prepared catalyst was used in the oxidation of styrene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant. The important reaction conditions, such as the reaction temperature, the ratio of oxidant/styrene, and the recycle times were examined. The experimental results show that the catalyst reveals relatively high catalytic performance with 84% conversion for styrene. The suitable conditions are as follows: n (styrene):n (TBHP)=1:3, the reaction temperature of 80 °C and the reaction time of 8 h. In addition, the catalyst used repeatedly for 3 times can still possess high catalytic activity.