Synthesis, characterization, and application of a manganese Schiff base complex containing salicylaldehyde–poly(vinylamine)/SBA-15 as a novel heterogeneous hybrid catalyst

Abstract

A manganese Schiff base complex containing salicylaldehyde–poly(vinylamine)/SBA-15 (Mn–SA–PVAm/SBA-15) composite was prepared as a novel heterogeneous catalyst through in situ polymerization of vinylamine within the nano-channels of mesoporous silica SBA-15 without using any organo silica precursors. The catalyst was characterized well by elemental analysis, FT-IR, AAS, DRS UV-Vis, XRD, BET, SEM and TGA techniques. The catalytic activity of the supported metal complex was studied in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols using t-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant. The effects of reaction temperature, solvent and the amount of catalyst as well as the recyclability of the catalyst were investigated.