An indirect approach for encapsulation of chiral cobalt catalyst in microporous Zeolite-Y

Abstract

Hierarchical structure in microporous zeolite-Y was introduced to overcome the diffusional restriction for direct encapsulation of chiral cobalt (II) Schiff base complexes. Mesopores with cylindrical channels of ∼5 nm dimensions were formed on post modification of zeolite-Y and was evident from the transmission electron microscopy and surface area analysis. Two different chiral cobalt (II) Schiff base complexes with minor variation in the ligand structure were constructed inside the mesoporous zeolite-Y cavity. The formation of the metal complexes was ascertained from the decrease in surface area and mesoporous pore volume. The two synthesized heterogeneous chiral cobalt Schiff base complexes were used as catalysts for asymmetric Henry reaction. At −35 °C, more than 80% ee with S-major nitro-aldol product was achieved within 3 h. Initial activation of the reaction mixture with microwave irradiation was found to have dramatic influence on the catalytic performance of the two catalysts.