The Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Imine Derivative Ligands for Nickel(II) Complex as Catalyst Precursors in Glucose Conversion to Sorbitol

Abstract

Two imine derivative ligands, L1 and L2, have been synthesized using the microwave assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) method from the reaction between bibenzoyl and L-tryptophan and L-Histidine, respectively. The ligands were further transformed into two nickel(II) complex, C1 and C2, as the precursors of catalysts in glucose conversion to sorbitol. The two NiO/SiO2 catalysts, K1 and K2, have been generated through the calcination process of complex C1 and C2, respectively, which were previously impregnated into silica. The K1 catalyst with average particle size of 5 nm shows good catalytic activity, with no presence of any nickel leached into the solution, and has successfully converted 21.99% of glucose into sorbitol. The K2 catalyst with average particle size of 10 nm also shows good catalytic activity and has successfully converted 32.30% of glucose into sorbitol, although it shows the presence of leached nickel.