 We have observed that metal complexes of 1,2,4-Triazoles catalyze various chemical transformations such as aziridination, hydrocarbon oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).We have found that Ni(II) complexes of 1,2,4-Triazoles catalyze the direct aziridination of various alkenes with aryl azides under relatively mild conditions with moderate to good yields over a wide substrate scope. This transformation has a high atom economy and eliminates the need to use exotic activation groups or sequences of reactions to synthesize aziridines.When complexed with Cu(II), triazoles show remarkable potential for catalysis of hydrocarbon oxidation. Cyclohexane and methane are both converted to their respective alcohols at room temperature in aqueous media while maintaining high turnover rate. Allowing direct apllication to the efficient production of alternate fuels and feedstocks.Perhaps not surprisingly, similar 1,2,4-Triazoles complexes show great promise as catalysts for ORR. This process works under very mild conditions over a wide pH range with both adsorbed and covalently anchored triazole ligandsIn fact we have found triazole complexes immobilized on carbon surfaces are as efficient catalysts as their homogenous counterparts for all the processes discussed here.

Non precious metal complexes of 1,2,4-triazoles as versatile catalysts for atom transfer reactions and redox processes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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