A supramolecular naphthalenediimide radical anion through host–guest interactions for photooxidation of alkylarenes to carbonyls

Abstract

A supramolecular naphthalenediimide radical anion was developed through host–guest interactions between NDI and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), which can be greatly promoted in the presence of chloride ions to obtain Cl˙ and NDI-2CB[7]˙⁻. Under the synergistic action of Cl˙ as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent and NDI-2CB[7]˙⁻ transferring electrons to O₂ to produce O₂˙⁻, the photocatalytic oxidation reactions of alkylarenes to carbonyls can be realized with universal applicability.