Anchoring Mn(IV) in multi pyridine modified mesoporous silica SBA-15: An efficient nanocatalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

In this current study we report the implementation of Mn(IV) grafted multipyridine linked melanine functionalized SBA-15/CCPy/Mn(OAc)(2) as a novel high surface area nanocatalyst. The melamine linked multipyridine ligand was introduced over mesoporous SBA-15 to ensure the strong chelation of Mn (OAc)(2) in order to deploy as active site. The structural features of the so designed material were properly analyzed with SEM, TEM, EDX, ICP-AES and N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques. Catalytic behavior of the nanocomposite was investigated in the chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using H2O2 as a mild oxidant under solvent-free conditions at room temperature resulting very good yields. The catalyst was reused up to 8 consecutive cycles without significant leaching and reduced catalytic performance. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.