Visible Light-Mediated Quantum Dot Photocatalysis Enables Olefination Reactions at Room Temperature

The ability of quantum dots (QDs) to photocatalyze organic reactions is gaining attention because of their distinct light harvesting properties over traditional precious metal- and small molecule-based catalysts. However, establishing the potency of QD photocatalysts in diverse and useful organic transformations, as well as deciphering the charge transfer mechanism, is essential to cement their place as an efficient photocatalyst in synthetic chemistry. Here, we report the use of QDs in efficiently catalyzing a series of olefination reactions under visible-light irradiation at room temperature (90% yield). Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies reveal intriguing insights on the charge transfer mechanism involved in QD-photocatalyzed olefination. Interestingly, the dual role of triphenylphosphine─as a surface passivating agent and nucleophile─turned out to be decisive in directing the charge transfer process from the QD to the reactant. Benzyl triphenylphosphonium bromide salt was accepting the electrons from the photoexcited QDs, thereby initiating the catalytic olefination reaction. QD-photocatalyzed olefination was demonstrated with formaldehyde as well, resulting in the formation of industrially relevant terminal alkene, namely styrene. Moreover, the environmentally friendly indium phosphide (InP) QD also photocatalyzed the olefination reaction under mild reaction conditions, which proves the practical suitability of our study. This work presents an attractive and efficient way to introduce double bonds in organic molecules using QDs and visible light at room temperature.