Photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of C(sp<sup>3</sup>)-H bonds.

Zhang, Lei; Li, Run-Han; Li, Xiao-Xin; Wang, Shengyao; Liu, Jiang; Hong, Xiao-Xuan; Dong, Long-Zhang; Li, Shun-Li et al. · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

In modern industries, the aerobic oxidation of C(sp<sup>3</sup>)-H bonds to achieve the value-added conversion of hydrocarbons requires high temperatures and pressures, which significantly increases energy consumption and capital investment. The development of a light-driven strategy, even under natural sunlight and ambient air, is therefore of great significance. Here we develop a series of hetero-motif molecular junction photocatalysts containing two bifunctional motifs. With these materials, the reduction of O<sub>2</sub> and oxidation of C(sp<sup>3</sup>)-H bonds can be effectively accomplished, thus realizing efficient aerobic oxidation of C(sp<sup>3</sup>)-H bonds in e.g., toluene and ethylbenzene. Especially for ethylbenzene oxidation reactions, excellent catalytic capacity (861 mmol g cat<sup>-1</sup>) is observed. In addition to the direct oxidation of C(sp<sup>3</sup>)-H bonds, CeBTTD-A can also be applied to other types of aerobic oxidation reactions highlighting their potential for industrial applications.