Hydroxyl radical-dominated selective oxidation of ethylbenzene over a photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework

Realizing photo-promoted saturated C-H functionalization is a significant challenge. [CuI3(H2O)6(TPT)2][H2BW12O40]·28H2O was assembled by combining electron reservoir [BW12O40]5- with photosensitizer TPT. The continuous coordination bonds and π-π stacking interactions facilitate hole-electron separation and electron transfer, and allow it to exhibit high photocatalytic activity toward ethylbenzene oxidation with O2/H2O as oxidants.