Photochemical decomposition of 1-chloro-4-ethylbenzene by participation of O2 and a dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex anchored on the TiO2 surface

The decomposition of 1-chloro-4-ethylbenzene under UV irradiation (λ = 253.7 nm) in the presence of dioxygen and the dioxomolybdenum(VI)dichloro[4,4′-dicarboxylato-2,2′-bipyridine] complex anchored on the TiO2 surface has been investigated. The catalytic cycle includes the photostimulated transfer of the oxo-oxygen atom from the surface dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex to the substrate followed by the oxidation of reduced Mo(IV) by dioxygen (in the absence of UV irradiation). The major reaction products are chlorobenzene, CO2, and H2O. Chlorobenzene results from the photocatalytic decomposition of intermediate 4′-chloroacetophenone under the reaction conditions.