Photocatalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of aromatic ketones using alcohols

Abstract

A mild method of photocatalytic deoxygenation of aromatic ketones to alkyl arenes was developed, which utilized alcohols as green hydrogen donors. No hydrogen evolution during this transformation suggested a mechanism of direct hydrogen transfer from alcohols. Control experiments with additives indicated the role of acid in transfer hydrogenolysis, and catalyst characterization confirmed a larger number of Lewis acidic sites on the optimal Pd/TiO₂ photocatalyst. Hence, a combination of hydrogen transfer sites and acidic sites may be responsible for efficient deoxygenation without additives. The photocatalyst showed reusability and achieved selective reduction in a variety of aromatic ketones.