Single walled carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized by a ruthenium complex for photocatalytic oxidations

The covalent bonding of a ruthenium bipyridine complex derivative with the aromatic network of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) through a stepwise protocol is presented, thus yielding the sample SWNT-Ru. To do that, an-amino decorated phenanthroline is bonded to the nanotube by means of the diazonium chemistry protocol, providing anchoring points for discrete organometallic units as depicted by the solid characterization techniques employed. The hybrid material, able to emit upon excitation, is active in the visible light-driven photocatalytic oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides. SWNT-Ru presents a wide scope being able to convert more than 10 substrates with different characteristics, including added-value chemicals, with a stable performance over more than 6 cycles without metal leaching and enhanced activity compared to related homogeneous complexes. A versatile character is also demonstrated since this hybrid catalyst follows both possible photooxidation mechanisms.

Unveiling Ru(bpy)3 2+-Encapsulated Zeolite Y as Photocatalyst: Harnessing Photocatalytic Singlet Oxygen Generation for Mustard Gas Simulant Detoxification

This study explores the encapsulation of Ru(bpy)3 2+ within Zeolite Y (ZY) to improve photocatalytic singlet oxygen generation for the degradation of a mustard gas simulant, namely 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Mustard gas simulants are known to disrupt several biological processes; thus, their effective degradation is essential. Zeolite Y, with its hierarchical structure and adjustable Si/Al ratios, is an ideal host for Ru(bpy)3 2+, significantly improving its photocatalytic efficiency and stability. It is demonstrated through XRD and spectroscopic analyses that encapsulated Ru(bpy)3 2+ maintains its structural and photophysical properties, which are essential for generating singlet oxygen. Ru(bpy)3(1.0) loaded ZY(15) (where 1.0 and 15 represent the encapsulated amount of Ru(bpy)3 2+ and Si/Al ratio, respectively) outperforms other investigated photocatalytic systems in the oxidation of CEES, demonstrating high conversion rates and selectivity toward nontoxic sulfoxide products. Immobilization of Ru(bpy)3 2+-encapsulated zeolite Y onto cotton fabric results in effective degradation of CEES. The experimental results, validated by theoretical calculations, indicate an improved oxygen affinity and accessibility in zeolites with higher Si/Al ratios. This study advances the design of photocatalytic materials for environmental and defense applications, providing sustainable solutions for hazardous chemical degradation.

1,10-Phenanthroline-based periodic mesoporous organosilica: from its synthesis to its application in the cobalt-catalyzed alkyne hydrosilylation

1,10-Phenanthroline (Phen) is a typical ligand for metal complexation and various metal/Phen complexes have been applied as a catalyst in several organic transformations. This study reports the synthesis of a Phen-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (Phen-PMO) with the Phen moieties being directly incorporated into the organosilica framework. The Phen-PMO precursor, 3,8-bis[(triisopropoxysilyl)methyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (1a), was prepared via the Kumada-Tamao-Corriu cross-coupling of 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline and [(triisopropoxysilyl)methyl]magnesium chloride. The co-condensation of 1a and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane in the presence of P123 as the template surfactant afforded Phen-PMO 3 with an ordered 2-D hexagonal mesoporous structure as confirmed by nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, X-ray diffraction, and transition electron microscopy. Co(OAc)₂ was immobilized on Phen-PMO 3, and the obtained complex showed good catalytic activity for the hydrosilylation reaction of phenylacetylene with phenylsilane.

Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalysis Based on Silica Mesoporous Material and Eosin Y: Impact of Material Support on Selectivity of Radical Cyclization

Heterogenization of the photocatalyst appears to be a valuable solution to reach sustainable processes. Rapid and efficient synthesis of supported photocatalyst is still a remaining challenge and the choice of the support material is crucial. The present study aims at preparing a new generation of hybrid inorganic/organic photocatalysts based on silica mesoporous material and Eosin Y. These results highlight the influence of non-covalent interactions between the material support and the reagent impacting the selectivity of the reaction.

Ru- and Ir-complex decorated periodic mesoporous organosilicas as sensitizers for artificial photosynthesis

A versatile and facile strategy based on an inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction between 5-norbornen-2-yltriethoxysilane and a tetrazine derivative has been established for the synthesis of a new triethoxysilane precursor containing dipyridylpyridazine units. Such a precursor has been incorporated into the mesostructure of an ethylene-bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) material through a one-pot synthesis via a co-condensation method. Upon attachment of Ru- and Ir-complexes to the pendant N-chelating heterocyclic ligands, the resulting decorated PMOs have acted as photosensitizers in artificial photosynthetic systems. The deposition of Pt on these PMOs has allowed us to obtain efficient photocatalytic materials for the hydrogen evolution reaction as a result of electron transfer from the light harvesting Ru- and Ir-complexes to the supported Pt nanoparticles through methyl viologen as an electron relay. They have exhibited total turnover number values of 573 and 846, respectively, under visible light irradiation. The role played by each component and the stability of the photocatalytic systems have been discussed. The present approach paves the way to the synthesis of different materials with coordination sites capable of forming surface complexes to be applied as sensitizers and catalysts.

Ultrasonic assisted synthesis of RGO supported HoVO4-ZnO nanocomposites, their enhanced photocatalytic activities and Rhodamine B degradation

The RGO-supported HoVO₄-ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized using the ultra sonication process. X-ray diffraction patterns, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Diffractive Reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were employed to examine the heterostructured photocatalyst in this research study. The photocatalytic efficiency of the RGO-supported HoVO₄-ZnO nanoparticles, under UV light irradiation, in the degradation of Rhodamine-B dye was investigated. Undoped ZnO, bare HoVO4, and HoVO₄ -ZnO, degraded at 55.6, 57.5, and 74.33 percent in 45 min, respectively. This new RGO coupled HoVO₄-ZnO exhibits enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared to the bare ZnO and HoVO₄-ZnO nanocomposite.

Development of heterogeneous photocatalysts via the covalent grafting of metal complexes on various solid supports

To date, remarkable progress has been achieved in the development of photocatalysts owing to their high activity, selectivity, and tunable light absorption in the visible light range. Recently, heterogeneous photocatalytic systems have emerged as potential candidates due to their beneficial attributes (e.g., high surface area, ease of functionalization and facile separation). Herein, we provide a concise overview of the rational design of heterogeneous photocatalysts by grafting photoactive complexes on heterogeneous support matrices via covalent grafting and their detailed characterization techniques, which have been followed by the landmark examples of their applications. Also, major challenges and opportunities in the forthcoming progress of these appealing areas are emphasised.

Catalytic Oxidation of Chlorobenzene over Ce-Mn-Ox/TiO2: Performance Study of the Porous Structure

Chlorobenzene (CB) is a volatile and harmful organic molecule that may result in deformities, cancer, etc. Catalytic oxidization of CB may be a way to manage it. The development of nonprecious catalysts with high catalytic activity is the key but is still a challenge. In this work, a series of Ce-Mn-Ox/TiO2 modified by citric acid monohydrate were developed and exhibited a composite pore structure. This pore structure leads to a large specific surface area, highly exposed activity sites, and excellent catalytic activity. The as-prepared 10C-CM/T exhibited nearly 100% efficiency for CB oxidization in the temperature range of 300–350 °C. The in situ DRIFT measurements demonstrated that the main intermediates at 250 °C are maleate and phenolic acid, whereas when the temperature is 350 °C, the main intermediates are carbonate, bidentate carbonate, and maleate.

Recent advanced development of metal-loaded mesoporous organosilicas as catalytic nanoreactors

Ordered periodic mesoporous organosilicas have been widely applied in adsorption/separation/sensor technologies and the fields of biomedicine/biotechnology as well as catalysis. Crucially, surface modification with functional groups and metal complexes or nanoparticle loading has ensured high efficacy and efficiency. This review will highlight the current state of design and catalytic application of transition metal-loaded mesoporous organosilica nanoreactors. It will outline prominent synthesis approaches for the grafting of metal complexes, metal salt adsorption and in situ preparation of metal nanoparticles, and summarize the catalytic performance of the resulting mesoporous organosilica hybrid materials. Finally, the potential prospects and challenges of metal-loaded mesoporous organosilica nanoreactors are addressed.

A Review on Onychine and its Analogs: Synthesis and Biological Activity

BACKGROUND

Onychine is a 4-azafluorenone alkaloid isolated from the Annonaceae family, in low concentrations. Onychine and its analogs exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, and antimalarial. Because of the high bioactivity of some 4-azafluorenone derivatives, several synthetic methods have been developed for their procurement.

OBJECTIVE

Considering the importance of these alkaloids, we aim to present the main synthetic approaches to onychines and its derivatives and the biological activity of some 4-azafluorenones.

METHODS

The most prominent methodologies for the synthesis of onychines were reviewed.

RESULTS

In this work, we cover many synthetic approaches for the synthesis of onychine and 4-azafluorenone derivatives including intramolecular cyclizations, multicomponent reactions, microwave-assisted multicomponent reactions, Diels-alder reactions, among others. Moreover, we also review the biological activity of 4-azafluorenones.

CONCLUSION

4-azafluorenones have risen as prominent structures in medicinal chemistry; however, most of the time, access to new derivatives involves toxic catalysts, harsh reaction conditions, and long-step procedures. Therefore, the development of new synthetic routes with more operational simplicity, simple purification procedure, good yields, and low environmental impact, is desirable.

Glass wool supported ruthenium complexes: versatile, recyclable heterogeneous photoredox catalysts

Versatile and recyclable heterogeneous photocatalysts based on the use of glass wool supported ruthenium complexes and organic dyes.

Mercapto-Functionalized Porous Organosilica Monoliths Loaded with Gold Nanoparticles for Catalytic Application

Porous organosilica monoliths have attracted much attention from both the academic and industrial fields due to their porous structure; excellent mechanical property and easily functionalized surface. A new mercapto-functionalized silicone monolith from a precursor mixture containing methyltrimethoxysilane; 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane; and 3-mercaptopropyl(dimethoxy)methylsilane prepared via a two-step acid/base hydrolysis–polycondensation process was reported. Silane precursor ratios and surfactant type were varied to control the networks of porous monolithic gels. Gold nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of the porous organosilica monolith (POM). Versatile characterization techniques were utilized to investigate the properties of the synthesized materials with and without gold nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of the as-synthesized porous monolith materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to confirm the surface chemistry. ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance was used to investigate the hydrolysis and polycondensation of organosilane precursors. Transmission electron microscopy was carried out to prove the existence of well-dispersed gold nanoparticles on the porous materials. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was utilized to evaluate the high catalytic performance of the as-synthesized Au/POM particles

Phosphonic acid mediated practical dehalogenation and benzylation with benzyl halides

For the first time, by using H₃PO₃/I₂ system, various benzyl chlorides, bromides and iodides were dehalogenated successfully. In the presence of H₃PO₃, benzyl halides underwent electrophilic substitution reactions with electron-rich arenes, leading to a broad range of diarylmethanes in good yields. These transformations feature green, cheap reducing reagents and metal-free conditions. A possible mechanism was proposed.

A practical method for phosphonic acid mediated dehalogenation and benzylation with benzyl halides was developed.

Synthesis of heterogeneous Ru(ii)-1,2,3-triazole catalyst supported over SBA-15: application to the hydrogen transfer reaction and unusual highly selective 1,4-disubstituted triazole formation via multicomponent click reaction

Remarkable reactivity of solid catalyst in H₂O medium for the regioselective 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole with excellent yield in one pot.

A recyclable self-assembled composite catalyst consisting of Fe3O4-rose bengal-layered double hydroxides for highly efficient visible light photocatalysis in water

A novel recyclable composite catalyst (Fe₃O₄-RB/LDH) formed by stable self-assembly of Fe₃O₄ NPs, rose bengal, and layered double hydroxides can catalyze various organic transformations with high efficiency in water under visible light irradiation.

Chloromethylated polystyrene immobilized ruthenium complex of 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole catalyst for the synthesis of bioactive disubstituted ureas by carbonylation reaction

Recyclable Ru–Py–Merf catalyst is synthesized and well characterized. The catalytic study of Ru–Py–Merf was performed for the synthesis of disubstituted ureas with high yield.

Robust Metal-Organic Framework Containing Benzoselenadiazole for Highly Efficient Aerobic Cross-dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions under Visible Light

A zirconium(IV)-based UiO-topological metal-organic framework (UiO-68Se) containing benzoselenadiazole was synthesized by an approach of the mixed dicarboxylate struts, which show highly efficient and recycalable photocatalytic activity for aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions between tertiary amines and various carbon nucleophiles under visible-light irradiation.

The effect of photocatalyst excited state lifetime on the rate of photoredox catalysis

Four different iridium(iii) polypyridyl complexes with varying excited state lifetimes are used as photocatalysts to study the effect of excited state lifetime on the rate of a prototypical photoredox-catalyzed reaction, the trifluoromethylation of quinoline.

A diiodo-BODIPY postmodified metal–organic framework for efficient heterogeneous organo-photocatalysis

A diiodo-BODIPY postmodified MOF acts as a highly active and recyclable heterogeneous photocatalyst for aerobic CDC and oxidation/[3 + 2]cycloaddition reactions under visible light irradiation.

Ruthenium bistridentate complexes with non-symmetrical hexahydro-pyrimidopyrimidine ligands: a structural and theoretical investigation of their optical and electrochemical properties

The optical and electronic properties of six Ru complexes with non-symmetrical tridentate ligands have been investigated and, as corroborated by electrochemical data, the presence of the hpp ligand strongly affects the oxidation potential of the metal ion.

Immobilisation of water-oxidising amphiphilic ruthenium complexes on unmodified silica gel

Amphiphilic ruthenium complexes immobilised on bare silica gel are an easily prepared heterogeneous system for photocatalytic and chemical water oxidation.