The Catalytic Oxidation of Aqueous Phenol by H2O2Using a Macrocyclic (N-Donor) Cobalt(Ii) Complex

Abstract

A new macrocyclic (N-donor) cobalt(II) complex, denoted CoR, was synthesized and characterized, and used as a mimetic peroxidase in the catalytic oxidation of phenol by H2O2. The catalytic system displayed high catalytic activity and the catalytic character of a metalloenzyme, although it did not attain the catalytic efficiency of enzymes. The final products were maleic and oxalic acids. Intermediate products, such as catechol and hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone, were detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The effects of temperature and the pH of the system on the rate of the catalytic oxidation were investigated. A reaction mechanism and kinetic model for the catalytic oxidation are proposed, which are supported by the results of the experimental and calculation data.