| Oxidation of phenol derivatives is of industrial and synthetic importance; however, with increased concern for environmental protection, traditional methods using organic solvents are undesirable. Novel complexes combining N-alkyliminodiacetates (CaIDA) as ligands and various transition metals have been isolated and characterized, including M(OOCH2) 2NCH3(H2O)3·H2O (M = MnII CoII) and (Cu4[(OOCH 2)2NCH3]4)infinity, the latter of which possesses interesting magnetic properties. These are in addition to various MC1IDA, MC10IDA, MC12IDA, MC14IDA and MC16IDA coordination complexes. The ability of these molecules to be incorporated into commercial surfactants has been tested and their subsequent critical micelle concentrations elucidated. Finally, these systems were tested for their ability to catalyze the oxidation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide and the oxidative carbon--carbon coupling of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol with either hydrogen peroxide or atmospheric oxygen. Oxidation of phenol was observed qualitatively by High Performance Liquid Chromatography -- Ultraviolet Visible Spectrometry. Dimerized 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol was observed quantitatively by Ultraviolet - Visible Spectrometry in moderate to high yields. The results of these preparations and trials are presented herein. |
