Nanochannels In Photoactive Polymeric Cu(I) Compatible For Efficient Micellar Catalysis: Sustainable Aerobic Oxidations Of Alcohols In Water

Upon visible-light irradiation, the heterogeneous polymer of PDI-Cu(I)-PDI (PDI = perylene diimide) generates charge transfer states that are subsequently quenched by molecular oxygen for their participation in redox activity. This insoluble polymeric Cu(I) is catalytically active for the oxidation of benzylic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes when suspended in dynamic micelles of PS-750-M. A broad substrate scope, excellent selectivity, and no over-oxidation reveal the catalyst robustness. The catalytic activity, control experiments, and time-dependent DFT calculations show the charge transfer states. The polymeric catalyst is entirely recyclable, as evidenced by the recycle studies using Scott's recyclability test. The morphology, structure, copper's oxidation state, and the catalyst's thermal stability are determined by SEM, XPS, and TGA analysis.