Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2000

Schiff's base and 1,3-dicarbonyl oxovanadium (IV) complexes could be employed as a catalyst in cycloalkane oxidation reaction in a pyridine-acetic acid media at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Ketone was selectively obtained as a main product. It was observed that Schiff's base oxovanadium (IV) complexes gave better selectivity for ketone formation, the oxidation reaction rate and catalytic turnover than 1,3-dicarbonyl oxovanadium (IV) complexes. Considering the total amount of products, 1,3-dicarbonyl oxovanadium (IV) complexes provided better yield than Schiff's base oxovanadium (IV) complexes. Chemoselectivity study disclosed that additives in this system had an effect to ketone/alcohol ratio. In addition, from chemical evidence, possibly alkyl hydroperoxide as one of the intermediates. The other inermediate was believed not to be carbon free radical