Catalytic routes and oxidation mechanisms in photoreforming of polyols

Photocatalytic reforming of biomass-derived oxygenates leads to H₂ generation and evolution of CO₂ via parallel formation of organic intermediates through anodic oxidations on a Rh/TiO₂ photocatalyst. The reaction pathways and kinetics in the photoreforming of C₃–C₆ polyols were explored. Polyols are converted via direct and indirect hole transfer pathways resulting in (i) oxidative rupture of C–C bonds, (ii) oxidation to α-oxygen functionalized aldoses and ketoses (carbonyl group formation) and (iii) light-driven dehydration. Direct hole transfer to chemisorbed oxygenates on terminal Ti(IV)-OH groups, generating alkoxy-radicals that undergo ß-C–C-cleavage, is proposed for the oxidative C–C rupture. Carbonyl group formation and dehydration are attributed to indirect hole transfer at surface lattice oxygen sites [Ti⋯O⋯Ti] followed by the generation of carbon-centered radicals. Polyol chain length impacts the contribution of the oxidation mechanisms favoring the C–C bond cleavage (internal preferred over terminal) as the dominant pathway with higher polyol carbon number.