Iodo‐Functionalized Salicylideneimine‐Boron Complexes: Synthesis and Photosensitized Degradation of Organic Water Pollutants

Boron‐containing organic compounds are reported to have excellent luminescent properties, however, their ability to photosensitize singlet oxygen generation remains unexplored. The synthesis of several Schiff‐base based boranils is reported, starting from commercially available salicylaldehydes and anilines. The iodo‐functionalized derivatives were observed to aid in the photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen. Poly(methylmethacrylate) films incorporating these molecules were prepared and were demonstrated to be capable of serving as a reusable heterogeneous medium for the photosensitized degradation of organic water pollutants. Photosensitizing boranils: Several Schiff‐base based boranils were synthesized from salicylaldehydes and anilines. The tetra‐iodo derivative was found to exhibit good photosensitization properties, and poly(methylmethacrylate) films incorporating this molecule were observed to be robust and served as a heterogeneous medium for the photooxidation of a variety of organic water pollutants.