Iodo-Functionalized Salicylideneimine-Boron Complexes: Synthesis and Photosensitized Degradation of Organic Water Pollutants

Chemistry. 2018 Dec 12;24(70):18788-18794. doi: 10.1002/chem.201804376. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Abstract

Boron-containing organic compounds are reported to have excellent luminescent properties, however, their ability to photosensitize singlet oxygen generation remains unexplored. The synthesis of several Schiff-base based boranils is reported, starting from commercially available salicylaldehydes and anilines. The iodo-functionalized derivatives were observed to aid in the photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen. Poly(methylmethacrylate) films incorporating these molecules were prepared and were demonstrated to be capable of serving as a reusable heterogeneous medium for the photosensitized degradation of organic water pollutants.

Keywords: Schiff base; photochemistry; photosensitization; singlet oxygen.