Novel oxo-peroxo molybdenum(VI) complexes incorporating 8-quinolinol: synthesis, structure and catalytic uses in the environmentally benign and cost-effective oxidation method of methyl benzenes: Ar(CH3)n (n = 1, 2)

Abstract

A hitherto unknown distorted pentagonal bipyramidal complex, [MoO(O2)(QO)2], very efficiently catalyses homogeneous liquid phase oxidation of methylbenzenes, viz. toluene and o- and p-xylenes to benzoic acid, phthalic acid and p-toluic acid respectively, using H2O2 and O2 as oxidants.