Covalent organic framework as an efficient, metal-free, heterogeneous photocatalyst for organic transformations under visible light

Visible-light active, heterogeneous, and organic photocatalysts exhibit a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to classical metal-based catalysts. Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) with permanent porosity, columnar π-arrays and excellent stability, that can become an excellent platform for heterogeneous photocatalysis of organic transformations. Here we report a predesigned imine-based COF with electron donor and acceptor structure. And new framework possesses large surface area, high crystallinity, outstanding stability and broad absorption range in the visible-light region as well as good photoelectric response characteristics. Importantly, it was found to be a highly effective heterogeneous photocatalyst for reductive dehalogenation of phenacyl bromide derivatives and α-alkylation of aldehydes under irradiation of visible-light. In addition, the COF gave good recyclability and could be reused after a simple separation manipulation. The current present still reveals a great prospect for 2D-COFs as metal-free, heterogeneous photocatalysts for organic transformations.