Conducting C-C cross-coupling reactions under convenient and mild conditions remains extremely challenging in traditional organic synthesis. In this study, ZnCo2O4@g-C3N4@Cu exhibited extraordinary photocatalytic performance as a new visible light harvesting heterogeneous copper-based photocatalyst in cyanation and Mizoroki-Heck visible-light-driven cross-coupling reactions at room temperature and in air. Surprisingly, by this method, the cyanation and Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions of various iodo-, bromo- and also the challenging chloroarenes with respectively K4[Fe(CN)6]·3H2O and olefins produced promising results in a sustainable and mild media. The significant photocatalytic performance of ZnCo2O4@g-C3N4@Cu arises from the synergistic optical properties of ZnCo2O4, g-C3N4, and Cu. These components can enhance the charge carrier generation and considerably reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. No need to use heat or additives, applying an economical and benign light source, utilizing an environmentally compatible solvent, facile and low-cost photocatalytic approach, aerial conditions, high stability and convenient recyclability of the photocatalyst are the remarkable highlights of this methodology. Moreover, this platform exhibited the ability to be performed on a large scale, which is considered an important issue in industrial and pharmaceutical use. It is worth noting that this is the first time that a heterogeneous copper-based photocatalyst has been employed in visible light-promoted cyanation reactions of aryl halides.
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