Synthesis and application of Co(salen) complexes containing proximal imidazolium ionic liquid cores

摘要

Ionic ligands derived from a salen ligand containing two proximal 1,3-disubstituted imidazolium ionic liquid cores form cobalt(III) complexes capable of selectively oxidizing veratryl alcohol, a lignin model compound, to veratralde-hyde using air as the source of oxygen. These complexes are easy to prepare, inexpensive, water stable, and soluble in ionic liquids, making them viable candidates for use as oxidation catalysts.