Synthesis of a B12-BODIPY dyad for B12-inspired photochemical transformations of a trichloromethylated organic compound

A B-12 complex-BODIPY dyad was synthesized by peripheral modification of cobalamin derivatives. The photophysical properties of the dyad were investigated by UV-vis, PL, and transient absorption spectroscopy. A visible light-driven dechlorination reaction of a trichlorinated organic compound, DDT, was reported. The dyad showed efficient catalysis for dechlorination under N-2 with turnover numbers of over 220 for the reaction. One-pot syntheses of an ester and amide from DDT and benzotrichloride were also achieved using the dyad under air.