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Abstract:
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Copper(II) complexes of two biologically important ligands, viz., embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-2,5-cyclohexadien
1,4-dione) and 2-aminobenzimidazole were entrapped in the cages of zeolite Y by the flexible ligand method. The capability
of these compounds in catalyzing the reduction of oxygen (industrially known as deoxo reaction) was explored and the
results indicate an enhancement of the catalytic properties from that of the simple copper ion exchanged zeolite. These
point to the ability of the ligands in enhancing the oxygen binding capability of the metal ion. Elemental analyses, Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR), diffuse reflectance and EPR spectral studies, magnetic susceptibility measurements, TG, surface
area analyses and powder X-ray diffraction studies were used in understanding the presence, composition and structure of
the complexes inside the cages. The study also reveals the increased thermal and mechanical stability of the complexes as a
result of encapsulation. |