Synthesis, characterization, reactivity and catalytic activity of a novel chiral manganese Schiff base complex

Abstract

A new chiral linear tetramine (N¹-(1-(2-aminophenylamino)propan-2-yl)benzene-1,2-diamine), CLT, and its Schiff base ligand, which was derived from CLT with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, was synthesized and transformed into the corresponding manganese(III) complex. The Schiff base ligand was studied by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, COSY, HSQC, DEPT and microanalysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine the structure of the [Mn^IIIL]⁺ complex. This manganese complex catalyzes the oxidation of alcohols using 30% H₂O₂ as an oxidant. Over-oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acid and the formation of by-products was not observed. α–β unsaturated alcohol was oxidized smoothly without the oxidation of the double bond.