Heterogeneous Photocatalyzed C−C Cross-coupling Reactions Under Visible-light and Near-infrared Light Irradiation

N, N'-bidentate ligand anchored palladium catalysts on MOFs for efficient Heck reaction

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), recognized as advanced catalyst carriers due to their adjustable porous, diverse structure and highly exposed active sites, have earned increasing attention for their potential to address the longevity of catalytic centers. In this manuscript, we have devised and synthesized a multifunctional amino-pyridine benzoic acid (APBA) ligand to replace the modulator ligand of the MOF-808 and disperse the palladium catalytic centers atomically on the MOF-APBA. The resulting single-site catalytic system, Pd@MOF-APBA, demonstrates preeminent efficiency and stability, as evidenced by a high average turnover number (95000) and a low metal residue (4.8 ppm) in the Heck reaction. This catalyst has exhibited recyclability for multiple runs without significant loss of reactivity for gram-scale reactions. The catalyst's high activity and efficiency can be attributed to the suitable electrical properties and structures of the N, N'-bidentate ligand for the catalytic palladium ions, postponing their deactivations, including leaching and agglomeration.

Assessing plasmon-induced reactions by a combined quantum chemical-quantum/classical hybrid approach

Plasmon-driven reactions on metal nanoparticles feature rich and complex mechanistic contributions, involving a manifold of electronic states, near-field enhancement, and heat, among others. Although localized surface plasmon resonances are believed to initiate these reactions, the complex reactivity demands deeper exploration. This computational study investigates factors influencing chemical processes on plasmonic nanoparticles, exemplified by protonation of 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPY) on silver nanoparticles. We examine the impact of molecular binding modes and molecule-molecule interactions on the nanoparticle's surface, near-field electromagnetic effects, and charge-transfer phenomena. Two proton sources were considered at ambient conditions, molecular hydrogen and water. Our findings reveal that the substrate's binding mode significantly affects not only the energy barriers governing the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reaction but also determine the directionality of light-driven charge-transfer at the 4-MPY-Ag interface, pivotal in the chemical contribution involved in the reaction mechanism. In addition, significant field enhancement surrounding the adsorbed molecule is observed (eletromagnetic contribution) which was found insufficient to modify the ground state thermodynamics. Instead, it initiates and amplifies light-driven charge-transfer and thus modulates the excited states' reactivity in the plasmonic-molecular hybrid system. This research elucidates protonation mechanisms on silver surfaces, highlighting the role of molecular-surface and molecule-molecule-surface orientation in plasmon-catalysis.

Phosphine-incorporated Metal-Organic Framework for Palladium Catalyzed Heck Coupling Reaction

As an emerging material with the potential to combine the high efficiency of homogeneous catalysts and high stability and recyclability of heterogeneous catalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been viewed as one of the candidates to produce catalysts of the next generation. Herein, we heterogenized the highly active mono(phosphine)-Pd complex on surface of UiO-66 MOF, as a catalyst for Suzuki and Heck cross coupling reactions. The successful immobilization of these Pd-monophosphine complexes on MOF surface to form UiO-66-PPh2-Pd was characterized and confirmed via comprehensive set of analytical methods. UiO-66-PPh2-Pd showed high activity and selectivity for both Suzuki and Heck Cross Coupling Reactions. This strategy enabled facile access to mono(phosphine) complexes which are challenging to design and require multistep synthesis in homogeneous systems, paving the way for future MOF catalysts applications by similar systems.

A suitably fabricated ternary nanocomposite (Cu-CuO@rGO-SiO2) as a sustainable and common heterogeneous catalyst for C-S, C-O and C-N coupling reactions

A hybrid composite based on π-electron rich reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and mesoporous silica (SiO2) was prepared and decorated with copper species to afford a ternary nanocomposite material (Cu-CuO@rGO-SiO2). This copper-based nanocomposite was successfully used as a robust and multi-tasking heterogeneous catalyst for most common cross-coupling reactions (e.g. C-S, C-O and C-N coupling). A broad range of catalytic activities are believed to be originated from the synergism of different co-existing copper species (Cu(0) and CuO) and facile charge transfer from the metal ions towards rGO-SiO2 matrices, as established from XPS and other studies.

CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals as Efficient Photocatalysts for Dehydrohalogenation: Toward Environmentally Friendly Trichloroethylene Synthesis

The demand for a benign alternative to energy-intensive industrial chemical transformations is critical. Lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique optoelectronic properties, including high absorption coefficients in the visible region, tunable band gaps, and long charge carrier-diffusion lengths. In this study, we present a model reaction to showcase the photocatalytic utility of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). Specifically, we demonstrate the synthesis of trichloroethylene (TCEt) from 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCE) using CsPbBr3 NCs under white light illumination. The band-edge positions of the NCs and the redox potential of TCE enable efficient electron transfer for C-Cl bond activation. Furthermore, while ensuring operational stability, CsPbBr3 NCs undergo light-controlled modification, leading to the formation of mixed-halide perovskite (CsPbBrxCl3-x) NCs during the reaction. This procedure yields a mixed-halide perovskite that maintains stability while containing the desired halide content. Additionally, the reaction produces HBr as a byproduct, serving as a self-cleaning technique to eliminate excess Br- ions from the solution. Ultimately, we achieve nearly 100% conversion of CsPbBr3 to pure CsPbCl3 NCs, with a full width at half-maximum of approximately 11.2 nm. Our clean and efficient approach to synthesizing TCEt using perovskite NCs provides interesting insights into violet light-emitting diode (LED) fabrication and color patterning. This study highlights the promising potential of perovskite materials for sustainable chemical transformations and optoelectronic applications.

In Situ Probing the Short-Lived Intermediates in Visible-Light Heterogeneous Photocatalysis by Mass Spectrometry

Visible-light-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis has recently emerged as an environmentally friendly and energy-sustainable alternative for organic transformations. Despite the advancements in developing wide varieties of photocatalysts during the past decades, the accurate probing and identification of the photogenerated species, especially the short-lived radical intermediates, are still challenging. In this work, we reported a hybrid ion emitter that integrated with a pico-liter heterogeneous photocatalytic reactor, which was fabricated by depositing the photocatalyst (e.g., TiO2) into the front tip of a quartz micropipette. Benefited from the dual-function feature of the hybrid micropipette (i.e., a clog-free tip-confined pico-liter reactor for heterogeneous photocatalysis and an ion emitter for nanoelectrospray ionization), sensitized photoredox reactions at the catalyst-solution interface can be triggered upon visible-light irradiation using a cheap LED laser (453 nm), and the newly produced transient radical intermediates can be rapidly transformed into gaseous ions for mass spectrometric identification. Using this novel low-delay coupling device, photogenerated intermediates, including the cationic radicals produced during the photooxidation of anilines and the anionic radicals produced during the photoreduction of quinones, were successfully captured by mass spectrometry. We believe that our hybrid photochemical microreactor/ion emitter has provided a new and powerful tool for exploring the complicated heterogeneous photochemical processes, especially their ultrafast initial transformations.

PdAu Nanosheets for Visible-Light-Driven Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reactions

Combining a two-dimensional (2D) morphology and plasmonic photocatalysis represents an efficient design for light-driven organic transformations. We report a one-pot synthesis of surfactant templated PdAu nanosheets (NSs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses show the formation of 2D PdAu structures was initiated through nanoparticle seeds dispersed in the alkyl ammonium salt surfactant which acted as a template for the growth into NSs. The PdAu NSs were used for visible-light-enhanced Suzuki cross coupling. The PdAu bimetallic NSs outperformed monometallic Pd NSs and commercial Pd/C in room-temperature Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The high catalytic activity is attributed to a combination of the 2D morphology giving rise to plasmon-enhanced catalysis and a high density of surface atoms, the electron-rich Pd surface due to alloying, and the presence of weakly bound amines. A comparative study of surfactant-assisted NSs and CO-assisted NSs was also carried out to assess the influence of surface ligands on the catalytic and photocatalytic enhancement of NSs with similar morphology. The surfactant-assisted NSs showed substantially superior performance compared to the CO-assisted for room-temperature Suzuki coupling reactions.

Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Transmetalation between Copper and Palladium Nanoparticle Catalyst

Surface-plasmon-mediated phenylacetylide intermediate transfer from the Cu to the Pd surface affords a novel mechanism for transmetalation, enabling wavelength-tunable cross-coupling and homo-coupling reaction pathway control. C-C bond forming Sonogashira coupling and Glaser coupling reactions in O2 atmosphere are efficiently driven by visible light over heterogeneous Cu and Pd nanoparticles as a mixed catalyst without base or other additives. The reaction pathway can be controlled by switching the excitation wavelength. Shorter wavelengths (400-500 nm) give the Glaser homo-coupling diyne, whereas longer wavelength irradiation (500-940 nm) significantly increases the degree of cross-coupling Sonogashira coupling products. The ratio of the activated intermediates of alkyne to the iodobenzene is wavelength dependent and this regulates transmetalation. This wavelength-tunable reaction pathway is a novel way to optimize the product selectivity in important organic syntheses.

Photothermal Suzuki Coupling Over a Metal Halide Perovskite/Pd Nanocube Composite Catalyst

The development of improved catalysts capable of performing the Suzuki coupling reaction has attracted considerable attention. Recent findings have shown that the use of photoactive catalysts improves the performance, while the reaction mechanism and temperature-dependent performance of such systems are still under debate. Herein, we report Pd nanocubes/CsPbBr₃ as an efficient catalyst for the photothermal Suzuki reaction. The photo-induced and thermal contribution to the overall catalytic performance has been investigated. Light controls the activity at temperatures around and below 30 °C, while thermal catalysis determines the reactivity at higher temperatures. The Pd/CsPbBr₃ catalyst exhibits 11 times higher activity than pure CsPbBr₃ at 30 °C due to reduced activation barrier and facilitated charge carrier dynamics. Furthermore, the alkoxide radicals (R-O^-) for the Suzuki reaction are experimentally and theoretically confirmed, and photogenerated holes are proven to be crucial for cleaving C-B bonds of phenylboronic acids to drive the reaction. This work prescribes a general strategy to study photothermal catalysis and offers a mechanistic guideline for photothermal Suzuki reactions.

Rhodium and Iridium Mediated C-H and O-H Bond Activation of Two Schiff Base Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Properties of the Organometallic Complexes

Reaction of [Rh(PPh₃)₃Cl] with two Schiff base ligands, viz. N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)furan-2-aldimine (H₂L¹) and N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)thiophene-2-aldimine (H₂L²), in refluxing toluene affords organorhodium complexes of type [Rh(PPh₃)₂(L)Cl] (L = L¹ and L²). Similar reaction with [Ir(PPh₃)₃Cl] yields organoiridium complexes of type [Ir(PPh₃)₂(L) (H)] (L = L¹ and L²). Crystal structures of [Rh(PPh₃)₂(L¹)Cl] and [Ir(PPh₃)₂(L²) (H)] have been determined, where the imine ligands are found to bind to the metal centers as CNO-donors. Structures of [Rh(PPh₃)₂(L²)Cl] and [Ir(PPh₃)₂(L¹) (H)] have been optimized by density functional theory method. Formation of the organometallic complexes is believed to proceed via C-H and O-H bond activation of the imine ligands. All four complexes show intense absorptions in the visible and ultraviolet regions. Cyclic voltammetry on the complexes shows an oxidation on the positive side of SCE and a reduction on the negative side. The organoiridium complexes are found to efficiently catalyze Suzuki-type C-C cross coupling reactions.

Designed electron-deficient gold nanoparticles for a room-temperature Csp3-Csp3 coupling reaction

Stille cross-coupling reactions catalysed by an ideal catalyst combining the high activity of homogeneous catalysts and the reusability of heterogeneous catalysts are of great interest for C-C bond formation, which is a widely used reaction in fine chemistry. Despite great effort to increase the utilization ratio of surface metal atoms, the activity of heterogeneous catalysts under mild conditions remains unsatisfactory. Herein, we design a proof-of-concept strategy to trigger the room-temperature activity of heterogeneous Au catalysts by decreasing the electron density at the interface of a rationally designed Schottky heterojunction of Au metals and boron-doped carbons. The electron-deficient Au nanoparticles formed as a result of the rectifying contact with boron-doped carbons facilitate the autocleavage of C-Br bonds for highly efficient C-C coupling reactions of alkylbromides and allylstannanes with a TOF value of 5199 h-1 at room temperature, surpassing that of the state-of-the-art homogeneous catalyst.

Comparative study of aryl halides in Pd-mediated reactions: key factors beyond the oxidative addition step

The comparative experimental study of Ar–X (X = Cl, Br, I) reactivity and analysis reported herein suggest that oxidative addition cannot be considered the sole reason of the observed low reactivity of aryl chlorides.

Selectivity control of organic chemical synthesis over plasmonic metal-based photocatalysts

The factors, issues, and design of plasmonic metal-based photocatalysts for selective photosynthesis of organic chemicals have been discussed.

A photoredox catalysed Heck reaction via hole transfer from a Ru(ii)-bis(terpyridine) complex to graphene oxide

The attachment of homoleptic Ru bis-terpy complexes on graphene oxide significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of the complexes. These straightforward complexes were applied as photocatalysts in a Heck reaction. Due to covalent functionalization on graphene oxide, which functions as an electron reservoir, excellent yields were obtained. DFT investigations of the charge redistribution revealed efficient hole transfer from the excited Ru unit towards the graphene oxide.

Ultrafine Pd nanoparticles loaded benzothiazole-linked covalent organic framework for efficient photocatalytic C-C cross-coupling reactions

We proposed a strategy that a benzothiazole-linked covalent organic framework (TTT-COF) was used as a substrate to prepare metal composite photocatalyst Pd NPs@TTT-COF. Firstly, benzothiazole linked TTT-COF exhibited superior chemical stability and photoresponse. Moreover, a finer particle size (2.01 nm) and more uniform distribution of Pd NPs were observed in Pd NPs@TTT-COF owing to the binding interaction between Pd NPs and S in benzothiazole groups. Pd NPs@TTT-COF exhibited superior efficiency and reusability in photocatalytic C-C cross-coupling reactions. Mechanism study suggested that photogenerated electrons and holes on TTT-COF played important roles in these reactions.

Ultrathin WO3 Nanosheets Converted from Metallic WS2 Sheets by Spontaneous Formation and Deposition of PdO Nanoclusters for Visible Light-Driven C-C Coupling Reactions

It is not facile to obtain ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) WO₃ nanosheets through the exfoliation of their bulk counterpart in solution due to strong covalent interaction between interlayers. In addition, they require additional functionalization with cocatalysts to expand their applicability in photocatalytic organic reactions owing to their insufficient conduction band edge position. Here, we report a chemical approach for the simultaneous production and functionalization of ultrathin 2D WO₃ nanosheets through the direct conversion of metallic WS₂ nanosheets, accomplished by the spontaneous formation and deposition of PdO nanoclusters on the nanosheet surface in H₂O. When chemically exfoliated metallic WS₂ nanosheets were simply mixed with K₂PdCl₄ in H₂O under mild conditions (50 °C, 1 h), they were converted to semiconducting WO₃ nanosheets on which PdO nanoclusters of a uniform size (∼3 nm) were spontaneously formed, leading to the production of PdO-functionalized ultrathin WO₃ (PdO@WO₃) nanohybrids. The conversion yield of WO₃ nanosheets from metallic WS₂ nanosheets increased with increasing coverage of PdO nanoclusters on the nanosheet surface. In addition, the conversion of WO₃ nanosheets induced by PdO nanocluster formation was effective only in H₂O but not in organic solvents, such as N-methylpyrrolidone and acetonitrile. A mechanical study suggests that the chemisorption of hydrated Pd precursors on the chalcogens of metallic WS₂ nanosheets leads to their facile oxidation by water molecules, producing WO₃ nanosheets covered with PdO nanoclusters. The as-prepared PdO@WO₃ nanosheets exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and recyclability in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of various aryl halides under visible light irradiation.

Plasmonic catalysis for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction using palladium nanoflowers

Plasmonic catalysis enables the realization of reactions using solar light with less energy and time consumption.

Photocatalytic coupled redox cycle for two organic transformations over Pd/carbon nitride composites

We report a photocatalytic coupling approach to promote simultaneously two organic transformations using Pd/carbon nitride composites.