THE OXIDATION OF 2,6-XYLENOL CATALYZED BY POLYMER-SUPPORTED COPPER-COMPLEXES

The synthesis and characterisation of copolymers containing tertiary n itrogen to which Cu(I) or Cu(II) species are anchored is described. Th e anchored species function as catalysts for the oxidation of 2,6-xyle nol by O-2 under basic conditions. The kinetics of these oxidations ha ve been followed by monitoring oxygen uptake as a function of pH, temp erature, reactant concentrations, oxygen partial pressure and catalyst loading. A suitable mechanism is proposed to account for the kinetics as well as the formation of the product, diphenoquinone. Recycling ef ficiencies of the catalysts are found to be good. (C) 1997 Published b y Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.