Heterogeneous Dual Photoredox-Lewis Acid Catalysis Using a Single Bifunctional Nanomaterial

Abstract

We report on heterogeneous dual photoredox-Lewis acid catalysis using a versatile and efficient nanocomposite: samarium oxide nanoparticle-decorated titanium dioxide. This emerging class of nanomaterials harnesses the Lewis acidity of the lanthanide, eliminates product contamination by the catalyst, and can be excited with visible light. Useful intermolecular and intramolecular net reductive and net neutral photoredox cyclization reactions are presented as examples of the general efficacy of this reusable heterogeneous nanocatalyst in synthetically relevant organic transformations.