Synthesis and characterization of thiourea complex encapsulated into functionalized-MCM41 and their catalytic activities for oxidation reaction

Thiourea complex encapsulated into functionalized-MCM41 was carried out in four stages. First stage is synthesized the MCM41 framework by using Ludox as silica source and Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as surfactant. Second stage is modification of surface MCM-41 with organic group which is 3-aminoprophyltriethoxysilane. Next stage is encapsulation of 2-thiouracil into functionalized-MCM41 and then was incorporated with copper acetate monohydrate to produce thiourea complex. The Cu(OAC)₂-Thio-APS-MCM41 catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen desorption-adsorption isotherm, single-point BET, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The catalytic potential of Cu(OAC)₂-Thio-APS-MCM41 catalyst was investigated in oxidation of cyclohexene with tert-butylhydroperoxide. The oxidation reaction was monitored by gas chromatography. It was observed that Cu(OAC)₂-Thio-APS-MCM41 catalyst displayed good properties of catalyst for oxidation reaction by giving high percentage conversion of cyclohexene and selectivity of 2-cyclohexen-1one. The catalytic activity was compared with the reaction without catalyst.