Photochemistry of 2-Nitrobenzyl Enol Ethers: Oxidative CC Bond Scission

[reaction: see text] 2-Nitrobenzyl enol ethers, when photolyzed in the presence of air, result in an oxidative C=C bond scission, forming a ketone as the major product (>60% yield). Enol release leads to the aldehyde as the minor product.