Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Reusable Manganese Porphyrin under Mild Aqueous Conditions

The main aim of this study is to introduce a new catalytic system referred to as p(NaAMPS-co-AN)‐[Mn(TMPyP)], which is a combination of poly[(2‐acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid-co-acrylonitrile)-Mn(III) meso tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine. The results of the study showed that p(NaAMPS-co-AN)‐[Mn(TMPyP)] exhibited promising catalytic activity for benzyl alcohol (BA) oxidation. Moreover, it demonstrated high selectivity, which is an important factor in a solid-liquid biphasic reaction system. The study conducted a comparison of catalytic activities for BA oxidation. It examined the performance of a reaction-controlled phase transfer catalyst system with two different oxidants.  It’s important to consider the choice of oxidants in a biphasic environment to determine their effectiveness in the oxidation process. The p(NaAMPS-co-AN)-[Mn(TMPyP)] catalyst’s macroporous structure not only provides a larger surface area but also facilitates quick diffusion of reactants towards the active Mn(III) centers. This enhanced diffusion can significantly boost the catalytic activity of the catalyst by promoting efficient contact between reactants and catalytic sites. Moreover, the presence of acrylonitrile in the polymer matrix could contribute to the catalyst’s stability and reusability, preventing leaching of the active species. This is important for long-term catalytic processes and indicates the potential for sustainable and cost-effective applications. The confirmation of the catalyst’s recyclability, durability, and leaching resistance was achieved through various analytical techniques. These methods provide evidence of the catalyst’s ability to maintain its structural and functional integrity over multiple cycles of use.