Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and catalytic property of [Cu(SalAHE)2] (SalAHE = salicylaldehydeimine-1-hydroxyethane) complex for the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol

Abstract The crystal structure, spectroscopic properties and catalytic property of the copper(II) complex, prepared by the reaction between copper(II) diacetate with the bidentate Schiff base, SalAHE (SalAHE = salicylaldehydeimine-1-hydroxyethane), are reported. This complex is able to oxidize 3,5-di- tert -butylcatechol to the respective o -quinone. The oxidation reaction was studied in CH 3 CN with molecular oxygen at 0, 5, 15 and 25 °C. The progress of the catalytic reaction was followed by gas chromatographic analyses (GC).