Photooxidation of Benzene to Phenol by Al2O3-Supported Fe(III)-5-Sulfosalicylic Acid (ssal) Complex

Selective oxidation of benzene with H2O2 to phenol has been developed using a novel Fe(III) complex bearing 5-sulfosalicylic acid ligands immobilized alumina catalyst under visible light irradiation. The catalyst activity was evaluated by the photooxidation of benzene to phenol. The results indicate the best result with 100% conversion of benzene and 27.64% selectivity for phenol at low catalyst loading (0.7 mmol/g alumina). The catalyst was used for at least 4 cycles without any appreciable loss of activity.