Photocatalytic oxidation of iron(II) complexes by dioxygen using 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium ions

Abstract

Photocatalytic oxidation of iron(ii) complexes by dioxygen occurred using the organic photocatalysts, 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium ions (Acr+-Mes) and 2-phenyl-4-(1-naphthyl) quinolinium ions (QuPh+-NA), in the presence of triflic acid in acetonitrile under visible light irradiation. The electron-transfer state of Acr+-Mes produced upon photoexcitation oxidized the iron(ii) complexes, whereas it reduced dioxygen with protons to produce iron(iii) complexes and H2O2. © 2016 The Royal Society of Chemistry.