Homogeneous and biphasic autoxidation of tetralin catalyzed by transition metal salts and complexes

The biphasic autoxidation of tetralin was carried out using various Co, Ni and Mn complexes as catalysts. Cobalt-N,N'-dimethylethylenedianline complex, which is amphiphilic and surface-active, was found to be most effective; it could be easily recovered in a compact emulsion layer after the reaction and could be reused with no apparent loss of activity. The biphasic reaction differs from the homogeneous counterpart in that (1) little hydroperoxide product is formed, (2) there is lesser sensitivity to product inhibition and a greater degree of conversion and (3) there is an easier catalyst recovery and substrate recycle. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.