Me6[14]N4dieneCu(ClO4)2 and Me6[14]N4aneCu(ClO4)2 Complexes as Catalysts for Hydroxylation of Phenol

Abstract

The hydroxylation of phenol to hydroquinone and catechol was catalyzed by complexes of copper(II) i.e., Me₆[14]N₄dieneCu(ClO₄)₂ and Me₆[14]N₄aneCu(ClO₄)₂ using H₂O₂ as oxidant and DMF as solvent. In the presence of the catalysts, the 37.7 % phenol conversion was obtained with 57.7 % selectivity to diphenol for Me₆[14]N₄dieneCu(ClO₄)₂ and 35.2 % phenol conversion was obtained with 45.2 % selectivity to diphenol for Me₆[14]N₄aneCu(ClO₄)₂ under the optimum reaction.