Phthalocyanines catalysts, oxygen production from water

Oxygen and suitable catalysts can also be used for the conversion of phenol to ben-zoquinone. Thus, irradiation of phenol in the presence of [Cu(bpy)2] or [Cu(l,10-phenanthroline)] + brings about degradation by a path that shows both pH and solvent dependency . Thus in acetonitrile benzoquinone predominates, but in water carbon dioxide is the sole product. Benzoquinone can also be formed from phenol by continuous irradiation in the presence of the catalysts [Crfbpyfs] or less effectively with [Ru(bpz)3] + and [Ru(bpy)3] +. The reaction path involves 02( A ) as the oxidant . Porphyrins such as 5,10,15,20- tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin and chlorins can also be used to convert naphthols and phenols to the corresponding quinones (Scheme 28) . Phthalocyanines immobilized on polymers have also been used as the catalyst system to effect photooxidation. ... 

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