Ultraviolet-light-induced Aerobic Oxidation of Benzylic C(sp3)-H of Alkylarenes under Catalyst- and Additive-free Conditions

Abstract A mild and efficient system has been discovered for the synthesis of α-aryl carbonyl compounds via oxidation of benzylic C–H to C O bonds. This ultraviolet-light-mediated oxygenation reaction exhibited excellent substrate scope including various xanthenes, thioxanthenes and 9, 10-dihydroacridines and afforded the corresponding ketones with good to excellent yields under catalyst- and additive-free conditions at room temperature.