Application of a dioxo-molybdenum(VI) complex anchored on TiO2 for the photochemical oxidative decomposition of 1-chloro-4-ethylbenzene under O2

• Published in: Transition metal chemistry (Weinheim) 2011-11, Vol.36 (8), p.897-900
• Main Authors: Bakhtchadjian, Robert, Tsarukyan, Samvel, Barrault, Joel, Martinez, Fernando O., Tavadyan, Levon, Castellanos, Nelson J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Inorganic Chemistry; Organometallic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 0340-4285; 1572-901X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11243-011-9547-2

The catalytic activity of dioxo-molybdenum(VI)-dichloro[4,4′-dicarboxylato-2,2′-bipyridine] covalently anchored through the carboxylate function to the surface of TiO 2 has been tested for the oxidative degradation of 1-chloro-4-ethylbenzene in MeCN solution under argon and UV irradiation (λ = 254 nm). After 4–5 h of photochemical reaction, the Mo complex was reoxidized in the presence of O 2 in the dark, and then the reaction was continued under argon. The reaction proceeds by the intermediate formation of 4′-chloroacetophenone that undergoes further decomposition to chlorobenzene, plus small amounts of oxygen-containing organochlorine compounds, CO 2 and H 2 O. Similar results were obtained for the decomposition of 4′-chloroacetophenone under the same conditions, which also gave chlorobenzene as one of the main products. The ratio of [final product]/[Mo complex] increases during the decomposition of 1-chloro-4-ethylbenzene (up to 350–400% for 30–35 h of reaction), which provides evidence of a catalytic process. The probable photochemical reactions are discussed.