STRUCTURAL EFFECT OF COBALT SCHIFF-BASE COMPLEX CATALYST ON ITS CATALYTIC ACTIVITY IN DIOXYGENOLYSIS OF 3-METHYLINDOLE

Dioxygenolysis of 3-methylindole catalyzed by a series of cobalt(II) S chiff base complexes electronically and sterically designed gives 2-(N -formylamino) acetophenone as the sole product, but the reaction rate depended largely on the structure of the complex:the more positive SIG MA-degrees (Co(II)/Co(III)) brings about the more catalytic activity. Steric hindrance of coordination of the substrate to the catalyst reta rds the reaction.