Ti(IV)-amino triphenolate complexes as effective catalysts for sulfoxidation

Area of Science:

• Organometallic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Sulfides are important industrial intermediates.
• Oxidation of sulfides often requires harsh conditions or toxic reagents.
• Development of efficient and environmentally friendly oxidation catalysts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel C(3)-symmetric Titanium(IV) amino triphenolate complexes.
• To investigate the catalytic efficiency of these complexes in sulfide oxidation.
• To explore the use of environmentally friendly oxidants like aqueous hydrogen peroxide.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of C(3)-symmetric Ti(IV) amino triphenolate complexes.
• Catalytic oxidation of sulfides using cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
• Reaction monitoring and product analysis.
• Characterization of catalysts and intermediates using (1)H NMR and ESI-MS.
• Density functional theory (DFT) studies.

Main Results:

• The Ti(IV) complexes efficiently catalyze sulfide oxidation at room temperature.
• Excellent yields were achieved using both CHP and aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
• Catalyst loadings as low as 0.01% were effective.
• Intermediate Ti(IV)-peroxo species were identified.

Conclusions:

• C(3)-symmetric Ti(IV) amino triphenolate complexes are highly effective catalysts for sulfide oxidation.
• The catalytic system operates under mild conditions and utilizes green oxidants.
• These findings present a promising advancement in sustainable oxidation catalysis.