Photocatalytic Cleavage of C(sp³)−N Bond in Trialkylamines to Dialkylamines and Olefins

Development of a new and green strategy for C(sp³)−N bond cleavage is very interesting. Herein, photocatalytic cleavage of the C(sp³)−N bond of trialkylamines was achieved, with concurrent formation of dialkylamines and olefins. It was found that a rationally designed 2D-Bi₂WO₆@1D-LaPO₄ heterostructure was very efficient for the reaction due to its high light collection efficiency and unique catalytic properties. The strategy could be used for different trialkylamines, including triethylamine, tri-n-propylamine, and ethyl-di-isopropylamine. The mechanistic investigation indicated that the catalyst with heterostructure was not only favorable for charge carrier separation but also rendered excited electrons with high reduction capacity. This work opens a way for C(sp³)−N bond cleavage of trialkylamines.