Green Solvent γ-Valerolactone (GVL) Facilitates Photocatalytic C-H Bond Activation

Solvents can significantly influence chemical reactions in condensed phases. Their critical properties are increasingly recognized in various research domains such as organic synthesis and biomass valorization. However, in semiconductor photocatalysis, solvents are primarily viewed as mediums for dissolving and diffusing substances, with their potential beneficial effects on photocatalytic conversions often overlooked. Additionally, common photocatalysis solvents like acetonitrile (ACN) pose serious safety and environmental concerns. In this study, we demonstrate that novel and safe green solvents, such as γ-valerolactone (GVL), can significantly enhance the performance of semiconductor photocatalysis for C-H bond activation. Non-specific solvent-solute interactions are the primary contributors to increased photocatalytic activity in the self-coupling of benzylic compounds. Specifically, GVL's large dielectric constant and high refractive index lower the energy barrier for the rate-determining C-H bond activation step, facilitating a faster coupling reaction. The versatility of GVL is further demonstrated in reactions with multiple reagents and in various oxidation and reduction photocatalytic systems beyond classic C-H bond activation. This work not only pioneers the use of green solvents but also provides comprehensive insights for proper solvent selection in semiconductor photocatalysis.