Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of poly(Schiff base)

The poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based Schiff base was prepared at 80 °C under oxygen atmosphere, further the poly(Schiff base) was characterized by various analytical methods like FTIR spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, GPC. The thermal stability of the Schiff base was determined by DSC and TGA. The hydrophilic nature of samples was determined by water contact angle measurement. The surface morphology was followed by SEM. The application of the PEG-Schiff base was extended to catalytic reduction of the nitro phenol and hexavalent Cr mixture. The highly toxic hexavalent Cr was reduced to trivalent Cr, similarly the nitro phenol was reduced to aminophenol. The rate constants were determined and compared with the literature value. Suitable reaction scheme was proposed.