Quantum Dot Interface-Enabled Cross-Coupling Acylation by Direct Aldehyde Activation under Visible Light

Cross-coupling acylation by direct aldehyde activation is ideal to construct a useful carbonyl motif. However, the strong C-H bond energy, short radical lifetime, and mismatched radical polarity render this reaction a huge challenge. Herein, the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) interface is demonstrated to overcome the obstacles lying on the way to acylating alkene or alkylarene, directly activating the formyl C-H bond into an acyl radical. Further stabilization of the obtained radical species by the QD interface ensured their effective cross-coupling with the generated intermediate from the coupling partner. The interface of QDs was exemplified to execute photochemical transformation, showcasing a highly efficient and selective cross-coupling acylation reaction under extremely mild conditions.