Change of the catalytic activity of copper(II) chelates in the decomposition of hydroperoxides depending on the nature of the solvent

Abstract

A fundamental difference in the catalytic activity of complex compounds of copper(II), bis(2-phenyliminomethylene-3-hydroxybenzyl[b]thiophenate) copper(II) (CuL2) and bis(2-acetylacetonate) copper(II) (Cu(acac)2), in the decomposition of cyclohexenyl and tetralyl hydroperoxides in solvents of different natures is established. Aprotic solvent chlorobenzene and ethanol, capable of forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds, are used. In chlorobenzene, catalyst deactivation occurs at a small depth of conversion of hydroperoxides, while in alcohol, no deactivation is observed. A possible mechanism explaining the absence of catalyst passivation in an alcoholic medium is proposed.