Catalyst-free selective oxidation of C(sp3)-H bonds in toluene on water

Kyoungmun Lee, Yumi Cho, Jin Chul Kim, Chiyoung Choi, Jiwon Kim, Jae Kyoo Lee, Sheng Li, Sang Kyu Kwak () and Siyoung Q. Choi ()
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Kyoungmun Lee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Yumi Cho: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST-gil 50, Ulju-gun
Jin Chul Kim: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST-gil 50, Ulju-gun
Chiyoung Choi: Seoul National University
Jiwon Kim: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Jae Kyoo Lee: Seoul National University
Sheng Li: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Sang Kyu Kwak: Korea University
Siyoung Q. Choi: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The anisotropic water interfaces provide an environment to drive various chemical reactions not seen in bulk solutions. However, catalytic reactions by the aqueous interfaces are still in their infancy, with the emphasis being on the reaction rate acceleration on water. Here, we report that the oil-water interface activates and oxidizes C(sp3)-H bonds in toluene, yielding benzaldehyde with high selectivity (>99%) and conversion (>99%) under mild, catalyst-free conditions. Collision at the interface between oil-dissolved toluene and hydroxyl radicals spontaneously generated near the water-side interfaces is responsible for the unexpectedly high selectivity. Protrusion of free OH groups from interfacial water destabilizes the transition state of the OH-addition by forming π-hydrogen bonds with toluene, while the H-abstraction remains unchanged to effectively activate C(sp3)-H bonds. Moreover, the exposed free OH groups form hydrogen bonds with the produced benzaldehyde, suppressing it from being overoxidized. Our investigation shows that the oil-water interface has considerable promise for chemoselective redox reactions on water without any catalysts.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50352-7

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