Two-dimensional porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks for visible-light-driven oxidative coupling of benzylamines

Two porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs), Por-bpy-COF and Por-Pd/bpy-COF, were developed as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts. Featuring broad light absorption (<i>λ</i> > 400 nm) and a palladium center in Por-Pd/bpy-COF for enhanced charge separation, both achieved >97% conversion of benzylamine to imine under visible light and ambient oxygen in 1 hour. Post-reaction analyses showed high structural stability, with Por-Pd/bpy-COF retaining >95% catalytic activity over five cycles, offering a sustainable strategy for green synthesis.