Polyoxometalate-Supported Aminocatalyst for the Photocatalytic Direct Synthesis of Imines from Alkenes and Amines

{Ru(C6 H6 )}-Decorating Heteropolymolybdate for Highly Activity Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde

An unclassical structure of {Ru(C6 H6 )}-based polyoxometalate, Cs6 H4 [Te2 Mo12 O46 {Ru(C6 H6 )}] ⋅ 16.5H2 O (1), has been successfully constructed from {Te2 Mo12 O46 }-type heteropolymolybdate and {Ru(C6 H6 )} group, which structure type was discovered for the first time. Compound 1 not only possesses strong light-harvesting ability, but also exhibits high carrier separation efficiency and lower charge transfer resistance. Under visible light irradiation, compound 1 displayed excellent catalytic activity and circularity in the conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde (yield=94 %; turnover number=500; turnover frequency=20.8 h-1 ). Finally, the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement and energy level matching analysis provide theoretical basis for the derivation of the reaction mechanism.

Three-Motif Molecular Junction Type Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), with the features of flexible structure regulation and easy introduction of functional groups, have aroused broad interest in the field of photocatalysis. However, due to the low light absorption intensity, low photoelectron conversion efficiency, and lack of suitable active sites, it remains a great challenge to achieve efficient photocatalytic aerobic oxidation reactions. Herein, based on reticular chemistry, we rationally designed a series of three-motif molecular junction type COFs, which formed dual photosensitizer coupled redox molecular junctions containing multifunctional COF photocatalysts. Significantly, due to the strong light adsorption ability of dual photosensitizer units and integrated oxidation and reduction features, the PY-BT COF exhibited the highest activity for photocatalytic aerobic oxidation. Especially, it achieved a photocatalytic benzylamine conversion efficiency of 99.9% in 2.5 h, which is much higher than that of the two-motif molecular junctions with only one photosensitizer or redox unit lacking COFs. The mechanism of selective aerobic oxidation was studied through comprehensive experiments and density functional theory calculations. The results showed that the photoinduced electron transfer occurred from PY and then through triphenylamine to BT. Furthermore, the thermodynamics energy for benzylamine oxidation on PY-BT COF was much lower than that for others, which confirmed the synergistic effect of dual photosensitizer coupled redox molecular junction COFs. This work provided a new strategy for the design of functional COFs with three-motif molecular junctions and also represented a new insight into the multifunctional COFs for organic catalytic reactions.

Fabrication of Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Integrating Paddlewheel Rh2(OAc)4 for Visible-Light-Driven Oxidative Coupling of Amines

The development of visible-light-responsive, environmentally friendly, and reusable photocatalysts for organic oxidation reactions is of vital significance. Herein, four polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) were synthesized and systematically characterized by assembling the paddlewheel complex Rh2(OAc)4 and various polyoxometalates (POMs). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the four POMOFs were isomorphic and possessed rare structural features among the POMOFs, with POMs as nodes and Rh2(OAc)4 as linkers. As expected, the activities of the four POMOFs for the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of benzylamine were better than that of Rh2(OAc)4 or POMs individually, which was ascribed to the synergistic effect between them, and the intrinsic reasons for the difference in the activity were explained via electrochemical measurements. In particular, the product imine yield reached 96.1% with NaRh-SiW12 as the catalyst and a turnover number and a turnover frequency of 480.5 and 120.5 h-1, respectively, while the product yield remained as high as 92% after three repetitions, evidencing its high stability. Moreover, the higher activities of the four POMOFs for the selective epoxidation of various alkenes reaffirm the synergistic effect between Rh2(OAc)4 and POMs.

Constructing a Photocatalyst for Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde by Photo-Fenton-like Catalysis

A photoactive metal-organic framework (MOF), [K(H₂O)][Cu(DPNDI)][Cu(DPNDI)(CH₃CN)(H₂O)] [Cu_1.5(DPNDI)_1.5H_1.5P₂W₁₈O₆₂]·2H₂O (Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI), was prepared by combining a functional photosensitizer N, N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI), copper(I) ions, and an oxidation catalyst [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6- into a single framework via a hydrothermal process. Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI exhibited a stable structure, strong light absorption capacity, a suitable band gap, and photoelectric properties, which provided favorable conditions for photocatalysis. In the confined space, the well-aligned Cu(I) ions and POM polyanions played a synergetic effect in the electron-transfer process and reactive oxygen species generation. By coupling photocatalysis and heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysis, Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI displayed high efficiency for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols, with up to >99% selectivity and 75% yield.

Enhanced Carrier Separation in Visible-Light-Responsive Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Highly Efficient Oxidative Coupling of Amines

Photocatalytic technology is widely studied, while it comes with drawbacks such as low sunlight utilization efficiency and high carrier recombination rates. Herein, for the first time, we present two crystalline polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs), {[Cd(DMF)₂Ru(bpy)₂(dcbpy)]₂(POMs)(DMF)₂} xDMF (PMo-1, POMs = [PMo^VI₁₁Mo^VO₄₀]^4-, x = 5; SiW-2, POMs = [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4-, x = 4) through assembling the photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)₂(H₂dcbpy)]Cl₂ and POMs into a single framework. The assembly not only enhances light absorption in the visible light regime but also improves carrier separation efficiency; atop of that, both POMOFs demonstrate activities in the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amines. Particularly, PMo-1 enables the quantitative completion of oxidative coupling of benzylamine reaction within 30 min (yield = 99.6%) with a high turnover frequency (TOF = 6631.6 h^-1). To our knowledge, the PMo-1 catalyst outperforms any other photocatalysts previously reported in similar use cases where TOF values were usually obtained <2000 h^-1.

Controlled Assembly of Ru-Containing Polyoxometalates for Photocatalytic Activity of the Primary Amine Coupling Reaction

Three Ru-induced structural interconversion polyoxometalates (POMs), Na₁₃H₅[Ru₄(H₂O)₂(Cl)₂(WO₂)₄(AsW₉O₃₃)₄]·43H₂O (1), K₅Na₉H₈[Ru₂(WO₂)₄(AsW₉O₃₃)₄]·50H₂O (2), and KNa₁₃H₁₄[(WO₂)₄(AsW₉O₃₃)₄]·34H₂O (3), were successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Interconversion of structures was accomplished by changing the number of active sites for compounds 1-3. All three compounds contain one {As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀} unit, showing similar structural characteristics except for the active center number (Ru). Interestingly, compound 1 [turnover number (TON)= 486; turnover frequency (TOF)= 20 h^-1] showed highly efficient photocatalysis in achieving oxidative coupling of primary amines. Compound 2 (TON = 406, TOF = 17 h^-1) was also found to promote the oxidative coupling with relatively poor efficiency; however, compound 3 (TON = 178; TOF = 7.4 h^-1) had no obvious contribution to the coupling reaction system, and a chain of evidence indicates that the catalytic performances are strongly dependent on element contents of active sites. Furthermore, the Ru-containing POM-based photocatalysts are conveniently recyclable and reusable during the photocatalytic processes. This study demonstrates the possibility of tuning the catalytic efficiency and stability of POM-based photocatalysts by well designing and controlling their structures. The possible reaction mechanism for the photocatalysis synthesis of imine product is also proposed based on experimental studies.

A Polyniobotungstate-Based Hybrid for Visible-Light-Induced Phosphorylation of N-Aryl-Tetrahydroisoquinoline

A new organic-inorganic hybrid based on a Nb/W mixed-addendum polyoxometalate with the formula H₁₄[(Co(H₂O)₃)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₄(P₄W₃₀Nb₆O₁₂₃)]·4(C₁₀H₈N₂)·8H₂O (Co-POM) has been synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Importantly, visible-light-absorption peaks around 525 nm for Co-POM indicated that this material should have potential in visible-light-induced organic reactions. Herein, we disclosed visible-light-promoted phosphorylation of N-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline using Co-POM as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst. In this procedure, diverse phosphorus reagents are compatible at room temperature and in an O₂ atmosphere, giving the corresponding products in good to excellent yields (up to 97%). Simultaneously, this heterogeneous photocatalyst can be recycled up to ten times with a negligible decrease in yield, showing outstanding sustainability and recyclability.

Photocatalytic Multielectron Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Utilizing an Electron-Storable Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework

A powerful approach to generate photocatalysts for the highly selective reduction of nitrobenzene using light as the driving force is a combination of photosensitizers and electron-storable components in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion. Herein, a new precious metal-free photocatalyst, {ZnW-TPT}, was prepared by incorporating a Zn-substituted monovacant Keggin polyanion [SiZnW₁₁O₃₉]^6- and a photoactive organic bridging link 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [SiZnW₁₁O₃₉]^6- and the TPT ligand and the π-π interactions between TPT molecules help separate and migrate photogenerated carriers, which improves the photocatalytic activity of {ZnW-TPT}. The photoelectrochemical properties of {ZnW-TPT} were well studied by solid UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, transient photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. {ZnW-TPT} efficiently converts using hydrazine hydrate with 99% conversion and 99% selectivity for anilines under mild conditions.

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of C-H Bonds of Alkylbenzenes

Developing new catalysts for highly efficient and selective oxidation of saturated C-H bonds is significant due to their thermodynamic strength. Via incorporation of PW₁₂O₄₀^3-, pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acids (pydc), and Fe(III) ions into one framework, a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework, [HFe₄O₂(H₂O)₄(pydc)₃PW₁₂O₄₀]·10.5H₂O (FeW-PYDC), was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. Interestingly, FeW-PYDC features a three-dimensional porous structure with {Fe₄O₂} interconnecting with PW₁₂O₄₀^3- units. FeW-PYDC displayed excellent performance in the selective oxidation of C-H bonds of alkylbenzenes with high conversion (95.7%) and selectivity (96.6%). As an effective heterogeneous catalyst, FeW-PYDC demonstrates good reusability and structural stability.

Multinuclear Lanthanide-Implanted Tetrameric Dawson-Type Phosphotungstates with Switchable Luminescence Behaviors Induced by Fast Photochromism

A series of benzoate-decorated lanthanide (Ln)-containing tetrameric Dawson-type phosphotungstates [N(CH₃)₄]₆H₂₀[{(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃Ln(C₆H₅COO)(H₂O)₆]}{[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃}]₂Cl₂·98H₂O [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), and Gd (3)] were made using a facile one-step assembly strategy and characterized by several techniques. Notably, the Ln-containing tetrameric Dawson-type polyoxoanions [{(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃Ln(C₆H₅COO)(H₂O)₆]}{[(P₂W₁₇O₆₁)Ln(H₂O)₃}]₂^24- are all established by four monolacunary Dawson-type [P₂W₁₇O₆₁]^10- segments, encapsulating a Ln³⁺ ion with two benzoates coordinating to the Ln³⁺ ions. 1-3 exhibit reversible photochromism, which can change from intrinsic white to blue for 6 min upon UV irradiation, and their colors gradually recover for 30 h in the dark. The solid-state photoluminescence spectra of 1 and 2 display characteristic emissions of Ln components based on 4f-4f transitions. Time-resolved emission spectra of 1 and 2 were also measured to authenticate the energy transfer from the phosphotungstate and organic chromophores to Eu³⁺. In particular, 1 shows an effectively switchable luminescence behavior induced by its fast photochromism.

Long-Lived Triplet Excited State Accessed with Spin-Orbit Charge Transfer Intersystem Crossing in Red Light-Absorbing Phenoxazine-Styryl BODIPY Electron Donor/Acceptor Dyads

Orthogonal phenoxazine-styryl BODIPY compact electron donor/acceptor dyads were prepared as heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers (PSs) with strong red light absorption (ϵ=1.33×105  M-1  cm-1 at 630 nm), whereas the previously reported triplet photosensitizers based on the spin-orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) mechanism show absorption in a shorter wavelength range (<500 nm). More importantly, a long-lived triplet state (τT =333 μs) was observed for the new dyads. In comparison, the triplet state lifetime of the same chromophore accessed with the conventional heavy atom effect (HAE) is much shorter (τT =1.8 μs). Long triplet state lifetime is beneficial to enhance electron or energy transfer, the primary photophysical processes in the application of triplet PSs. Our approach is based on SOCT-ISC, without invoking of the HAE, which may shorten the triplet state lifetime. We used bisstyrylBodipy both as the electron acceptor and the visible light-harvesting chromophore, which shows red-light absorption. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra indicated the charge separation (109 ps) and SOCT-ISC (charge recombination, CR; 2.3 ns) for BDP-1. ISC efficiency of BDP-1 was determined as ΦT =25 % (in toluene). The dyad BDP-3 was used as triplet PS for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (upconversion quantum yield ΦUC =1.5 %; anti-Stokes shift is 5900 cm-1 ).

Photoactive Metal-Organic Framework for the Reduction of Aryl Halides by the Synergistic Effect of Consecutive Photoinduced Electron-Transfer and Hydrogen-Atom-Transfer Processes

Consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (ConPET) has advantages on overcoming the current energetic limitation of visible-light photoredox catalysis for utilizing the energies of two photons in one catalytic cycle. A heterogeneous approach for radical chain reduction of various aryl bromides and chlorides without adding any cocatalyst is introduced by incorporating polyoxometalates (POMs) and amine catalysts into a naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based polymer. CoW-DPNDI-PYI exhibits high activity in the photocatalytic reduction of aryl halides by the synergistic effects of ConPET and hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) processes and an enzyme-mimicking CO₂ cycloaddition reaction. The ConPET process with N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalenediimide (DPNDI) facilitates effective solar energy conversion. POMs and amine catalysts, as efficient HAT catalysts and electron donors, improve the generation of the ConPET process. The success of this work demonstrates the great application of the synergistic effects of ConPET and HAT processes in heterogeneous photocatalysis C-H arylation.

H-shaped oxalate-bridging lanthanoid-incorporated arsenotungstates

A series of oxalate-bridging di-Ln³⁺-incorporated H-shaped polyoxometalates were synthesized and their stability in solution was evidenced by Raman spectroscopy.

Magnetic field and dilution effects on the slow relaxation of {Er3} triangle-based arsenotungstate single-molecule magnets

Triangular {Er₃} cluster containing POM exhibits field-induced two thermally activated relaxation processes. Whereas, the diamagnetic dilution sample indicates slow magnetic relaxation with the QTM being partially suppressed.

A Giant Mo/Ta/W Ternary Mixed-Addenda Polyoxometalate with Efficient Photocatalytic Activity for Primary Amine Coupling

The reactivity and properties of polyoxometalates (POMs) vary remarkably as a function of the kind of addenda atoms, so the design and synthesis of new mixed-addenda POMs is a promising approach for the further development of the POM-related areas. In the present work, the first Mo/Ta/W ternary mixed-addenda POM (NH₄)₄₁H₇[K₃(H₂O)₃(P₂W₁₅Ta₃O₆₂)₆(Mo₂O₄CH₃CO₂)₃(MoO₃)₂]·85H₂O (1), which is composed of 6 {P₂W₁₅Ta₃O₆₂} linked by 3 {Mo^V₂O₄(OOCCH₃)⁺} and 2 {Mo^VIO₃} via 18 novel Mo-O-Ta bridges has been synthesized. The precursor {P₂W₁₅Ta₃}, which has lower redox potential, is crucial for the formation of 1. The red-brown solid sample of 1 shows strong absorption in the visible region. The visible-light responsive charge transfer from benzylamine to 1 was observed experimentally. 1 was proved to be an efficient photocatalyst under simulated sunlight (AM 1.5G) radiation for the oxidative coupling of primary amines to imines using atmospheric O₂.