Visible light mediated efficient oxidative benzylic sp3 C–H to ketone derivatives obtained under mild conditions using O2

Abstract

A photooxygenation of benzylic sp³ C–H reaction has been demonstrated using O₂ mediated by visible light. This protocol provides a simple and mild route to obtain ketones from benzylic sp³ C–H bonds. Various benzylic sp³ C–H bonds can be transformed into the desired ketone derivatives in moderate to good yields. The ¹⁸O₂ labelling experiments demonstrated that the oxygen introduced into ketone originated from dioxygen. A plausible mechanism has been proposed accordingly.