Selective photocatalytic oxidative cleavage of terminal alkynes to carboxylic acids within a water-soluble Pd ₆ nanocage

nanocage. This transformation proceeds without the need for ozonolysis or precious metal oxide catalysts. Mechanistic investigations indicate that generation of hydroxyl radicals mediates the oxidative cleavage of terminal alkynes. Notably, we achieved a chemo-selective transformation of arylalkynes bearing methyl substituents, which are typically susceptible to oxidation under confinement. Furthermore, the recyclability of the cage in the catalysis was demonstrated over multiple cycles with the retention of catalytic activity. This work highlights the potential of selective photo-induced oxidative transformations of substrates using coordination cages in aqueous medium.