Iron–Phthalocyanine Immobilized on Activated Carbon Black: A Selective Catalyst for Alkane Oxidation

Carbon black is tested as a support for iron–phthalocyanine within the frame of the oxidation of hydrocarbons witht-butylhydroperoxide as oxygen donor. The increased hydrophobicity of the carrier surface, with respect to zeolite Y, changes the adsorption behavior of the components in the reaction mixture towards the alkane. A major improvement in the oxidation conversion and efficiency of cyclohexane has been established. Furthermore, the kinetic isotope effect and the reactivity order of secondary and tertiary carbon atoms measured with adamantane provide evidence for an “oxygen rebound” reaction mechanism, a non-free-radical oxidation pathway where the metallo-complex is responsible for the hydrogen abstraction.