Synthesis of Nickel Lysine Salen Complex and Its Catalytic Performance for Styrene Epoxidation¹

Abstract—Nickel lysine salen complex was successfully synthesized via a stepwise procedure and applied as a heterogeneous catalyst for styrene epoxidation. For comparison, several other transition metal (Mn, Fe, Co, and Cu) lysine salen complexes were also synthesized. The prepared catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Data obtained by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy indicated the formation of C=N bonds and the complexation of these bonds with metal ions. SEM analysis revealed that the complexation of metal ions with the C=N involves the change in surface morphology of samples. In addition, atomic percent composition of samples was obtained from EDX spectra, which was the complementary evidence for the formation of complexes. Results of catalytic measurements showed that a high conversion of styrene (91.51%) and selectivity to styrene oxide (91.99%) could be achieved over the nickel lysine salen complex with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. When the catalyst was reused the conversion of styrene decreased but the selectivity to styrene oxide still remained high.