Synthesis and catalytic properties of catalyst Cd-MOF-cat for selective oxidation of phenol to hydroquinone

A three coordinated ligand 4-btapa was synthesized. Using 4-btapa ligand,a 3D porous metalorganic framework catalyst Cd-MOF-cat was synthesized by self-assembled method with Cd2 +,and was characterized by1H-NMR,XRD and TGA. The structure and chemical environment of 3D channels of the catalyst Cd-MOF-cat were analyzed. Using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant,H2O-ethanol as the solvent, the hydroxylation of phenol and 1-naphthol to hydroquinone over catalyst Cd-MOF-cat was investigated. The results showed that catalyst Cd-MOF-cat exhibited good catalytic activity. The conversion of phenol was up to 85%- 86%,and the para / ortho-selectivity to hydroquinone was 2. 6- 2. 8. The catalytic mechanism was discussed initially based on the catalytic experimental results of hydroxylation of phenol and 1-naphthol over catalyst Cd-MOF-cat. These phenomena probably originated from the size and shape selective catalysis of phenol. The results of catalyst filtration experiment indicated that the catalytic reaction was heterogeneous catalysis.