Heterogeneous photocatalysis as innovative tool for selective oxygenation of organic molecules: the case of W10O32 4- anion.

We provide evidence that heterogeneous photocatalysis is a suitable method for achieving selective oxidation of organic substrates with O2 in mild temperature and pressure conditions. In particular, this discussion concerns photoactive materials based on the use of the decatungstate W10O324-. Different strategies for the heterogenization of this polyoxoanion are presented, pointing out that the solid support not only increases the stability of the photocatalyst but also provides a tunable environment around the photoactive species, which can affect chemo- and regio-selectivity of important oxidation processes. The key-reactions of interest here examined are the oxygenation of non-activated C-H bonds, the oxidation of diols and the functionalization of alkenes. The results discussed indicate that the synthetic application of heterogeneous photocatalysis will increase in the next future. In fact this technique is particularly relevant for finding innovative and economically advantageous oxidation processes that move towards “sustainable chemistry” with a minimal environmental impact.