Visible-Light-Mediated Benzylic Oxidation Using Bromo(diphenyl) methane

Abstract Benzylic C(sp3)–H oxidation is a useful process that can give aryl carbonyl compounds as valuable building blocks. Here, we report a study on the use of bromo(diphenyl)methane as a Br source for a phototriggered benzylic oxidation. The reaction conditions are mild and compatible with a variety of substrates. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction might involve a peroxyl radical intermediate formed by a reaction between a benzylic C radical and molecular oxygen.