Synthesis, crystal structure and immobilization of a new cobalt (II) complex with 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine ligand on modified magnetic nanoparticles as a catalyst for the oxidation of alkanes

A new Co(II) complex with formula [Co(tptz)Cl2]·2H2O (tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods. It was then supported on modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and designated as a Fe3O4@SiO2@APTMS@complex nanocatalyst. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by means of FT-IR, Raman, XPS, EDX, XRD, VSM, SEM and TEM studies. The catalytic activity of the [Co(tptz)Cl2]·2H2O complex and Fe3O4@SiO2@APTMS@complex designated as catalysts A and B was used for oxidation of activated secondary alkanes such as fluorene, diphenyl methane, ethylbenzene, cyclooctane and adamantane. Observation of 39–99% conversions and 27–100% selectivities toward the corresponding ketones as well as the heterogeneity and reusability of the catalyst B seem promising.