Sulfonamide-substituted iron phthalocyanine: design, solubility range, stability and oxidation of olefins

4-tert-Butylbenzenesulfonamide was used as a substituent of tetra peripherally substituted Fe(ii) phthalocyanine, taking into account several parameters crucial for the design of potential oxidation catalysts such as solubility and stability. The resulting phthalocyanine exhibits a remarkable stability under oxidative conditions. The main product of the oxidation of cyclohexene using H2O2 as the oxidant is the allylic ketone, 2-cyclohexen-1-one. Styrene oxidation led mainly to the formation of benzaldehyde.