Metal-Free, Photo-Catalyzed Oxidation of Benzylic C—H Bonds to Access Carbonyl Functionality

A general metal-free photochemcial oxidation of benzylic C-H bonds has been successfully accomplished via a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process.A range of high value-added aromatic ketones were facilely synthesized with high chemoselectivity under mild conditions.Moreover, the mild conditions by using air as the oxidant render the developed protocol more ecofriendly and environmentally sustainable.