Surface characterization and catalytic activity of polymer-anchored Ru(III)-schiffbase complex

A polymer-anchored Ru(III)-schiffbase complex was synthesized by chloromethylation of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer with 14% cross-linked (AM-24) followed by sequential attachment of ethylenediamine and salicylaldehyde and finally, treatment with an ethanolic solution of metal salt. It was characterized using various techniques such as FTIR, reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), ESCA anaTGA. Various other physico-chemical properties such as bulk density, surface area, moisture content and swellability in different solvents have also been studied. Catalytic activity of the synthesised complex was investigated for hydrogenation of styrene and oxidation of benzylalcohol. Reaction kinetics was studied by varying different parameters. Results were compared with that of unbound metal complex and higher catalytic activity was found in case of supported catalyst. Catalytic behaviour under repeated catalytic cycles was studied. A probable reaction mechanism has been proposed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.