Carbon dots as photocatalysts for organic synthesis: metal-free methylene–oxygen-bond photocleavage. Issue 4 (6th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cailotto, Simone; Negrato, Matteo; Daniele, Salvatore; Luque, Rafael; Selva, Maurizio; Amadio, Emanuele; Perosa, Alvise
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 22:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 1145
• Page End: 1149
• Publication Date: 2020-02-06
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c9gc03811f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : We report for the first time that irradiation of four different citric acid-derived carbon dots (CDs), in the absence of any other redox mediators, promotes an organic reaction. Abstract : We report for the first time that irradiation of four different citric acid-derived carbon dots (CDs), in the absence of any other redox mediators, promotes an organic reaction. In this proof-of-concept study methylene-oxygen bond reductive photocleavage in N -methyl-4-picolinium esters is demonstrated. Cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis spectra of the CDs and of the esters indicate that photocleavage reactivity correlates with the redox properties and the relative energies expressed in the Fermi scale. A photo-fragmentation mechanism is proposed. This study offers a new possibility to employ inexpensive and readily available CDs to promote photo-organic reactions.