Nanoscopic [(NH4)6V10O28.6H2O]n Where n = 27882-90189 Soft-Oxometalates-Based Photocatalyst for Conversion of Benzene to Phenol under Ambient Conditions.

In a quest to find new routes for the functionalization of very strong C─H bonds, such as those found in benzene, we have reported nanoscopic soft-oxometalates-based photocatalytic oxidation of benzene to phenol by dioxygen (O2) in acetonitrile-water (1:1) solvent under visible light irradiation at room temperature using Eosin Y (EY) as a photosensitizer and (NH4)6V10O28.6H2O as the pre-catalyst. Studies reveal that photosensitizer Eosin Y (EY) transfers an electron to the catalyst VV 10O28 6- under visible light irradiation for in- situ generation of H2O2 from O2, which is followed by efficient hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with a high turnover number of 156.8. The present study is a blueprint for efficient C─H activation via a synergistic combination of photocatalysis and vanadium catalysis, giving excellent yield and selectivity.