A graphene oxide immobilized Cu(ii) complex of 1,2-bis(4-aminophenylthio)ethane: an efficient catalyst for epoxidation of olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Abstract

In this work, a new, recoverable and heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by covalent attachment of the Cu(II) complex of 1,2-bis(4-aminophenylthio)ethane onto graphene oxide via the amide linkages. The structural and chemical nature of the catalyst was characterized by a variety of techniques such as Fourier transform infrared and diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of this catalyst was investigated in the epoxidation of olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The catalyst has great reusability and stability in the epoxidation reactions.