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A novel silk fibroin‐supported iron catalyst for hydroxylation of phenol
Author(s) -
Pekşen Bahar Başak,
Üzelakçil Caner,
Güneş Alev,
Malay Özge,
Bayraktar Oguz
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.1519
Subject(s) - fibroin , phenol , catalysis , hydroxylation , chemistry , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , formic acid , silk , hydrogen peroxide , hydroquinone , nuclear chemistry , catechol , aqueous solution , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemical engineering , materials science , composite material , enzyme , engineering
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of silk fibroin (SF) as a catalyst support material for phenol hydroxylation reactions. Iron‐substituted silk fibroin fibers were prepared using formic acid at room temperature and characterized using inductively coupled plasma atomic‐emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical microscopy. Measurement of an FTIR spectrum showed that the secondary structure was β‐structure before and after iron substitution. To evaluate the catalytic properties of prepared catalyst, phenol hydroxylation reaction was carried out using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. An excellent transformation of phenol into dihydroxybenzenes (catechol and hydroquinone) was achieved. Phenol conversions of 3.3%, 61.2%, and 80.3% were obtained at room temperature, 40 °C and 60 °C respectively. It was found that no further phenol conversion proceeded because catalysts became separated from the reaction system during the reaction. No significant leaching of the iron was detected. Catalyst could be reused several times without a significant change in activity. Parent silk fibroin fibers without iron were inactive. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry