Hydroxylation of benzene and toluene by heterogeneous iron metal-organic framework (Fe-BTC)

Abstract

Liquid phase catalytic hydroxylation of benzene and toluene by Fe-containing metal-organic framework (Fe-BTC; BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) using 30% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant exhibits good activity and high product selectivity under mild reaction conditions. The effects of temperature, time, substrate/ hydrogen peroxide mole ratio and solvent on catalytic performance are investigated. The catalyst can be reused four times without significant loss of catalytic performance. The hot filtration experiments suggest that hydroxylation reaction occurs on the Fe sites in the MOF matrix. The crystallinity and structure of Fe-BTC remain unchanged during the catalysis reaction, as confirmed by comparison of XRD, FTIR and SEM of the fresh and reused catalyst.