Hydroxyl radical-dominated selective oxidation of ethylbenzene over a photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework

Abstract

Realizing photo-promoted saturated C–H functionalization is a significant challenge. [Cu^I₃(H₂O)₆(TPT)₂][H₂BW₁₂O₄₀]·28H₂O was assembled by combining electron reservoir [BW₁₂O₄₀]⁵⁻ with photosensitizer TPT. The continuous coordination bonds and π–π stacking interactions facilitate hole–electron separation and electron transfer, and allow it to exhibit high photocatalytic activity toward ethylbenzene oxidation with O₂/H₂O as oxidants.