Ascorbic acid oxidation by a new zeolite encapsulated copper(II) complex

303-306A copper(lI) complex of 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole(DmPz) has been synthesised within the super cage of zeolite X. Characterisation of the encapsulated species is based on the IR, EPR and diffused reflectance UV-vis spectral studies of the simple and the encapsulated complex and is identified as [CU(DmPz)2]2+. Its catalytic activity in the oxidation of ascorbic acid by atmospheric oxygen has been studied. The activity of [Cu(DmPz)2CI2] has also been studied for this purpose. It has been found that the encapsulated species is an efficient catalyst and stable during the catalytic cycle and no leaching out of the ligands occur during oxidation