Photocatalytic aerobic oxidative cleavage of olefins in pure water

Abstract

The photocatalytic oxidative cleavage of CC bonds to generate aldehydes, ketones and α-halo acetophenones using pure water as a solvent is proposed and designed. A green route is realized in the presence of an FeO_x/C₃N₄ composite catalyst under aerobic conditions. The specially prepared FeO_x on C₃N₄ improved the amphiphilicity of the catalyst, thus avoiding the agglomeration of the photocatalyst in water, and enhanced the utilization efficiency of photo-induced charges. Control experiments and ESR results confirmed both hydroxyl and hydrosuperoxide radicals as the key oxidative species in the reaction, which play a crucial role in the efficient activation of the CC bond. Furthermore, the catalyst is highly stable and can be reused at least 20 times without significant loss of activity.