Visible Light-Driven Oxidative Cleavage of Styrene via Supramolecular Polymers of Pyridinium-Thioxanthone and Cucurbit[8]uril

Augmenting reactive oxygen species production and enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency of organic systems remain critical challenges. Herein, we report a self-assembled supramolecular polymer photocatalyst (TX2Py-CB[8]) constructed via host-guest complexation between a thioxanthone derivative substituted with vinylpyridinium (TX2Py) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) in water. Compared to its monomeric form, TX2Py-CB[8] exhibits markedly enhanced fluorescence and significantly improved generation of superoxide anion radicals (O₂^•^-), attributed to the confined microenvironment and electronic modulation afforded by the supramolecular assembly. As a visible light-driven photocatalyst, TX2Py-CB[8] demonstrates excellent activity in the oxidative cleavage of 1,1-stilbene, affording aldehyde/ketone products in high yields under mild conditions with a low catalyst dosage and extensive functional group compatibility. The work highlights a promising supramolecular method for developing efficient, metal-free photocatalysts toward sustainable oxidative transformations.