Aerobic oxidation of 1,10-phenanthroline to phen-dione catalyzed by copper(ii) complexes of a benzimidazolyl Schiff base

Abstract

Copper(II) complexes with distorted square planer geometry have been utilized for catalyzing the aerobic oxidation of 1,10-phenanthroline to phen-dione. The oxidation reaction was monitored by UV-Visible and EPR spectral changes. The product formed was confirmed by UV-Visible and ¹H-NMR. Irreversible conversion of Cu(II) to Cu(I) species leads to inactivation of catalysis.