Synthesis of Asymmetrical Monobenzo-Substituted Cobalt Thioporphyrazines and Their Biomimetic Catalytic Property

Two novel monobenzo porphyrazines bearing nitro and methoxyl respectively on fused benzene ring were suc- cessfully synthesized. Also, an asymmetrical porphyrazine with one butylthio branch at the pyrrolic p-position sub- stituted by hydrogen atom was successfully isolated in the course of synthesis of symmetric octakis（butylthio） porphyrazine. Their corresponding cobalt complexes were subsequently obtained and characterized. Their catalytic ability was assessed by aerobic oxidation of benzoin, showing the highest benzil yield of 95.2% for 60 min. A pos- sible mechanism was also presented from the in-situ UV-Vis spectra, in which a novel and characteristic absorption peak of metal-oxo was observed. At the same time, similar results of the extended oxidation of benzyl alcohol also confirmed the reactive mechanism.