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Photo-activated Carbon dots (CDs) as Catalysts in the Knoevenagel Condensation: A Mechanistic Study by Dual-Mode
Francesca Cosentino1, Cinzia Michenzi2, Alessia Di Noi1
1Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Sapienza" University of Rome P.le Aldo, Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
Carbon dots (CDs) obtained from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) were activated by a 365 nm-UV irradiation source and employed in the Knoevenagel condensation to investigate their photocatalytic mechanism. To this end, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to monitor the time progress of the condensation and follow the formation of the final product in positive and negative ion modes at once. The intervention of the superoxide radical anion in the photocatalytic mechanism of CDs was highlighted.
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