An efficient method for the oxidation of phenolic compounds using new Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines

In this study novel Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines have been successfully prepared and their structural characterization have been done using with different spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H-NMR, UV–Vis, mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis). Substituted phenolic compounds as substrate, different kinds of oxidants and novel Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines as catalyst have been used in all oxidation reactions. Temperature, different oxidants, ox./cat. ratio effects on the catalysis have been determined. Interestingly, Co(II) phthalocyanine exhibits superior catalytic activity and durability in the catalysis over oxidation of p-nitrophenol (4-NP). The present method is simple, environmentally benign and amenable scale up process.