Investigation on the effect of electron beam impact on chitosan anchored mixed ligand Schiff base complexes for cyclohexane oxidation.

Two new class of Schiff base ligands were synthesized involving chitosan, thiophene–2–carbaldehyde (L1) and 4–(pyridine-2-yl)–thiosemicarbazide, thiophene–2–carbaldehyde (L2). These ligands were then complexed with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) metal ions. These chitosan anchored mixed ligand complexes were characterized and their catalytic activities were investigated for the effective oxidation of cyclohexane. The Cu(II) complex (CuL) shows higher catalytic efficiency compared to Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The catalytic activity of Cu(II) complex was enhanced by irradiating with different doses of electron beam (EB). The effect of EB irradiation on the spectral, morphological and catalytic activities of the complex was investigated. The EB irradiation significantly enhances the catalytic efficacy of the complex due to cross linking of the polymer chain. The reusability of the catalyst has also been increased on increasing the electron beam irradiation dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]