Catalytic activity of [Rh(CO)2(bBzlH2py)]Cl.1.5H2O and [CoCl(bBzlH2py)2]Cl.2H2O

The complex [Rh(CO)2(bBzlH2py)]Cl.1.5H2O [bBzlH2py = 2,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine] reversibly binds CO and in alcoholic solvents loses CO to form yellow [RhCl(bBzlH2py)(OH2)].H2O. When NO or O2 gas was passed through a 2-methoxy ethanolic solution of [Rh(CO)2(bBzlH2py)]Cl, formation of CO2 was observed. Hence the possible catalytic activity of the complex towards the reactions NO + CO, CO + O2, and NO + O2 was studied and the NO + CO system is quite promising. The complexes [Rh(CO)2(bBzlH2py)]Cl.1.5H2O and [CoCl(bBzlH2py)2]Cl.2H2O were tested for their possible catalytic activity towards oxidation of alcohols using O2 and H2O2/O2 as oxidants. These complexes in the presence of H2O2 at refluxing temperature convert alcohols to aldehydes/ketones/acids.