ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Synthesis and identification of novel Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Simin Rahat Dahmardeh, Hamideh Saravani, and Somayeh Ostovar

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

E-mail: saravani@chem.usb.ac.ir

Received: 24 April 2024  Accepted: 18 June 2024

Abstract:

In this research work, by hydrothermal and ultrasonic methods and using pyridine carboxylic acid and ruthenium and zirconium metals, novel organic frameworks were created (Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks). The desired compound was identified by different identification spectra such as scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry analysis, specific surface area measurement, and X-ray diffraction. This product is able to withstand temperatures up to 295 °C and has a high specific surface area of 78 m²/g, and being in the range of nanoparticles with the same morphology can be described as unique features of synthesized nanoparticles. In the following, the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols in the presence of synthesized Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent under reflux conditions were studied. In investigating the catalytic properties of Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks, the optimal conditions, including the amount of the catalyst, the temperature and the reaction time, were investigated and the optimal conditions obtained were reported. Optimum conditions, conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by nanocatalyst Ru/Zr at 80 °C, 120 min, 0.02 g of catalyst have been obtained. The results of the investigations showed that the synthesized Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks have a high ability to oxidize benzyl alcohol. Easy separation after the reaction, high efficiency, and the ability to reuse up to 5 times without a noticeable decrease in efficiency were significant advantages of its use. After using the catalyst five times, the yield of benzyl alcohol by Ru/Zr changed from 92 to 84%. Based on the obtained results, it can be stated that the hydrothermal method and the use of ultrasonic used in the synthesis of Ru/Zr metal–organic frameworks have led to stabilization with to increase the activity and selectivity.

Keywords: Hydrothermal; Metal–organic frameworks; Heterogeneous catalyst; Oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03580-6

Chemical Papers 78 (12) 6979–6988 (2024)