Photocatalytic c-c coupling reactions of terminal alkynes using cupric oxide-based mie resonator photocatalysts

Abstract

Described herein is a heterogeneous photocatalyst that includes a cupric oxide (CuO) dielectric Mie resonator particle and palladium (Pd) disposed on the CuO in electrical contact. The Pd comprises one or more of nanoclusters, an ultrathin shell, or a porous thin film over at least a portion of the CuO particle. Under broadband illumination and an oxygen-containing atmosphere, the photocatalyst drives oxidative carbon-carbon coupling of terminal alkynes to form diyne products with high selectivity. In representative embodiments, phenylacetylene converts to 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne under illumination, and temperature-matched dark controls distinguish photon-driven electronic contributions from bulk heating. Embodiments include base-free operation and operation in the presence of an inorganic base, reaction media comprising polar aprotic solvents, alcohol solvents, or mixtures, and illumination spanning 300 nm to 2200 nm at intensities from about 10 mW/cm2 to about 150 mW/cm2.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.