Transforming a Fluorochrome to an Efficient Photocatalyst for Oxidative Hydroxylation: A Supramolecular Dimerization Strategy Based on Host-Enhanced Charge Transfer

The development of non-covalent synthetic strategy to fabricate efficient photocatalysts is of great importance in theranostic and organic materials. Herein, a fluorochrome N,N '-dimethyl 2,5-bis(4-pyridinium)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazolediiodide (MPT) was transformed into an efficient photocatalyst through supramolecular dimerization in the cavity of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). The host-enhanced charge transfer interaction within the supramolecular dimer 2MPT-CB[8] dramatically promoted intersystem crossing to produce triplet. In addition, the staggered conformation of 2MPT-CB[8] facilitated the energy transfer and electron transfer of the triplet. As a result, 2MPT-CB[8] could serve as a high-efficiency photocatalyst for the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids. This supramolecular dimerization strategy enriches the supramolecular engineering of functional pi-systems. It is anticipated that this strategy can be extended to fabricate various pi-systems with tailor-made functions.

Automated summary

In this study, a fluorochrome was transformed into an efficient photocatalyst through supramolecular dimerization, resulting in enhanced charge transfer interactions and energy transfer within the system, enabling the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids. This supramolecular dimerization strategy enriches functional pi-systems, with potential applications in fabricating various tailor-made functions.