2D sp2 Carbon-Conjugated Porphyrin Covalent Organic Framework for Cooperative Photocatalysis with TEMPO

Abstract

2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are receiving ongoing attention in semiconductor photocatalysis. Herein, we present a photocatalytic selective chemical transformation by combining sp² carbon-conjugated porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (Por-sp²c-COF) photocatalysis with TEMPO catalysis illuminated by 623 nm red light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Highly selective conversion of amines into imines was swiftly afforded in minutes. Specifically, the π-conjugation of porphyrin linker leads to extensive absorption of red light; the sp² −C=C− double bonds linkage ensures the stability of Por-sp²c-COF under high concentrations of amine. Most importantly, we found that crystalline framework of Por-sp²c-COF is pivotal for cooperative photocatalysis with (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO). This work foreshadows that the outstanding hallmarks of COFs, particularly crystallinity, could be exploited to address energy and environmental challenges by cooperative photocatalysis.