[Fe(bipy)Cl4][bipy.H] hosted by Al-MCM-41: an efficient dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine (CR) decontamination nano-reactor

Abstract

Encapsulation of [Fe(bipy)Cl₄][bipy.H] (1) (where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine) in the Al-MCM-41 molecular sieve by using a “ship in a bottle synthesis” approach was achieved and the product characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, DRS, TG, EDS and BET analysis. Encapsulation of the complex into the channels of Al-MCM-41, did not affect the morphology of the host as is evident from SEM and TEM micrographs. The obtained nanocatalyst in combination with K₂S₂O₈ as the oxidant, was successfully used in selective catalytic conversion of dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine (CR, riot control agent) to dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11(10H)-one as a potential decontamination route. Good selectivity was also obtained toward formation of benzil in the oxidation of trans-stilbene.