Mono-copper substituted phosphotungstate supported on to neutral alumina: Synthesis, characterization and detailed studies for oxidation of styrene

Abstract Mono-copper substituted phosphotungstate (PW11Cu) was supported on a neutral support (alumina) by wet impregnation method, which is the first instance of the use of alumina for supporting Transition metal substituted Polyoxometalates (TMSPOMs), characterized by various spectral techniques and the catalytic activity was evaluated for the oxidation of styrene using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. Various reaction parameters were optimized and a detailed kinetic study was carried out to understand the role of each of the components of the reaction. Finally, the activity of the present catalyst was compared with zirconia supported PW11Cu, and the superiority was explained based on the presence of Lewis acidity of aluminum.