Ni(II) and V(IV) Schiff base complexes derived from 2,2′-dimethylpropandiamine: the crystal structure, electrochemical properties and catalytic activities in oxidation of sulfides

Abstract

Tetradentate Schiff base (H2L) derived from 2,2′-dimethylpropandiamine and its nickel(II) and oxo-vanadium(IV) complexes (NiL, VOL) have been prepared and characterized. The crystal structure of NiL has been determined. The reported structure contains two molecules of the complex revealing slightly different conformation and the coordination sphere around nickel is distorted square planar. The electrochemical properties of the Ni and oxo-vanadium Schiff base complexes were investigated in CH3CN by cyclic voltammetry. The catalytic activities of the complexes were studied in the oxidation of sulfides in ethanol. Under the optimized reaction conditions, in the presence of NiL, 89% and VOL, 100% conversion of methyl phenyl sulfide with 100% selectivity for sulfoxide were obtained.