Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Novel Polycyclopentadithiophene

A novel pi-conjugated polymer based on cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and poly(4,4 ']-(((4Hcyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b ']dithiophene-4,4-diyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy))bis(4-oxobutanoic acid)) (PCPDT-CO2H) was prepared as a sparingly soluble material. The generation of hydroxyl radicals from PCPDT-CO2H in water was confirmed by using coumarin as a hydroxyl radical indicator. Furthermore, PCPDT-CO2H was found to catalyze the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acid and the oxidation of benzaldehyde, indicating that PCPDT-CO2H can be a promising candidate for metal-free and 100% organic heterogeneous photocatalysts.

Automated summary

A novel pi-conjugated polymer based on cyclopentadithiophene and poly(4,4 ']-(((4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene-4,4-diyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy))bis(4-oxobutanoic acid)) was prepared and found to generate hydroxyl radicals in water, serving as a promising candidate for metal-free and 100% organic heterogeneous photocatalysts.