Magnetic-Plasmonic Multimodular Hollow Nanoreactors for Compartmentalized Orthogonal Tandem Catalysis.

Abstract

In tandem catalytic systems, controlling the reaction steps and side reactions is extremely challenging. Here, we demonstrate a nanoreactor platform comprising magnetic- and plasmonic-coupled catalytic modules that synchronizes reaction steps at unconnected neighboring reaction sites via decoupled nanolocalized energy harvested using distinct antennae reactors while minimizing the interconflicting effects. As was desired, the course of the reaction and product yields can be controlled by a convenient remote operation of alternating magnetic field (AMF) and near-infrared light (NIR). Following this strategy, a tandem reaction involving [Pd]-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura C-C cross-coupling and [Pt]-catalyzed aerobic alcohol oxidation enabled an excellent yield of cinnamaldehyde (ca. 95%) by overcoming the risk of side reactions. The customization scope for using different catalytic metals (Pt, Pd, Ru, and Rh) with in situ control over product release through remotely operable benign energy sources opens avenues for designing diverse catalytic schemes for targeted applications.