Jana Pisk

Title : Mo complexes derived from simple acyl-hydrazones as green catalysts in oxidation reactions

Abstract:

Synthesis is a key step in creating materials, leading to the formation of single crystals, polycrystalline powders, or thin films. Various methods are used to synthesize transition metal coordination compounds. The traditional method involves dissolving metal precursors and Schiff base ligands in solvents like methanol or ethanol, often applying heat. This process can result in the desired product precipitating or remaining in solution, later isolated by evaporation. An alternative, solvothermal synthesis, takes place in an autoclave under high pressure and temperature, favouring the production of high-quality single crystals by cooling the mixture gradually. Compared to these liquid-based methods, solid-state synthesis offers a greener alternative by reducing or eliminating solvent use, relying on mechanical techniques like grinding or ball-milling. After preparing materials, identifying applications is crucial. The catalytic potential of aroyl-hydrazonato molybdenum complexes was previously explored in cyclooctene epoxidation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide, as a green oxidizing agent and without the addition of organic solvents to the reaction media. The research presented herein introduces the novel use of Mo compounds, with MoO₂²⁺ cores and acyl-hydrazone ligands, as catalysts, following the green-chemistry principles, highlighting the innovative examination of ligand role in such reactions. Despite the scarcity of studies on transition metal complexes with acyl-hydrazones, due to potential steric hindrance, examination of CCDC database points out the complexity of these compounds. The study also ventured into linalool epoxidation, leveraging a common and renewable resource whose derivatives are valuable in flavours, fragrances, and perfumes, expanding the catalytic research scope.

Audience Take Away

• Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn? The presented research considers molecular catalysts applied for alcohol oxidations following the principles of green chemistry.
• ​​​​​​​How will this help the audience in their job? The presented research will enrich the academic audience and will create possible discussions as a step towards collaboration.
• ​​​​​​​Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching? Yes, the research presented follows the principles of green chemistry and provides catalytic systems with good activity and selectivity parameters.

Biography:

J. Pisk got a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2012. In 2010 she spent one year at LCC Toulouse and IUT P. Sabatier Toulouse III, France, where she learned the basics of catalysis. She was Marie Curie Cofund's fellow and did postdoctoral research at the LCC, Toulouse (Project “Diligent search for chemical bio-sources: Solvent-free homogeneous and heterogeneous oxidation processes catalyzed by polyoxometalates”). She was an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Zagreb, in 2018, and from 2023 she is an Associate Professor. Her major interest is the coordination chemistry of molybdenum and vanadium and the investigation of catalytic properties of the obtained materials.