Recyclable polymer-supported iridium-based photocatalysts for photoredox organic transformations

Various recyclable heterogeneous catalysts have been developed through anchoring a cyclometalated Ir(III) complex on different types of polymer support materials. These photocatalysts show dual emissive properties with a major short-lived MLCT phosphorescence and a minor polymer-based emission. The MLCT phosphorescence can be oxidatively quenched when suspended in the solution of perfluorohexyl iodide to generate perfluorohexyl radical that drives the photoredox addition and amidation reactions. The photocatalytic activity and performance of these photocatalysts have been studied with some of them displaying excellent recyclability. In this study, the criteria for designing efficient and recyclable heterogeneous immobilized photoredox catalysts have been intensively discussed.