CO 2 -Promoted Direct Oxygenation of Benzylic sp 3 C–H Bonds Using Sodium Chlorite

Utilizing inexpensive and environmentally benign sodium chlorite, a CO 2 -promoted oxidation of benzylic sp 3 C–H bonds has been developed. In this process, CO 2 acts as an effective pH regulator, enabling the reaction to proceed under safe, mild conditions. Three classes of benzylic substrates, amines, ethers, and alkylarenes, can be effectively oxidized to their corresponding carbonyl products.