Quantum Dots Photocatalyze Intermolecular [2+2] Cycloadditions of Aromatic Alkenes Adsorbed to their Surfaces via van der Waals Interactions

Triplet excited state-initiated photochemistry is a mild and selective route to cycloadditions, radical rearrangements, couplings, fragmentations, and isomerizations. Colloidal quantum dots are proven visible-light photosensitizers and structural scaffolds for triplet-initiated reactions of molecules that are functionalized (with carboxylates) to anchor on the QD surface. Here, with the aid of polyaromatic energy shuttles that act as noncovalent adsorption sites for substrates on the QD surface, the scope of QD-photocatalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloadditions is extended to freely diffusing substrates (no anchoring groups). QD-shuttle complexes photocatalyze homo- and heterointermolecular [2 + 2] photocycloadditions of benzalacetone, chalcone and its derivatives with up to 94% yield; the yields for all reactions are comparable to those achieved by Ir(ppy)(3) but with the advantages of a factor of 2.5 lower catalyst loading, superior stability, and the ability to recover the catalyst by simple centrifugation and reuse it for multiple reaction cycles. Experiments imply a two-step triplet-triplet energy transfer mechanism, one energy transfer from the QD to the energy shuttle followed by a second energy transfer from the shuttle to the transiently adsorbed substrate.

Automated summary

This study successfully extended the scope of quantum dot photocatalyzed cycloaddition reactions to substrates without anchoring groups by introducing polyaromatic energy shuttle molecules on the quantum dot surface, achieving high yields. Compared to traditional catalyst Ir(ppy)(3), it offers the advantages of lower catalyst loading, higher stability, and reusability.