Readily available alkylbenzenes as precursors for the one-pot preparation of buta-1,3-dienes under DDQ visible-light photocatalysis in benzotrifluoride

By using DDQ visible-light photocatalysis, an olefin-free method for the production of buta-1,3-dienes is disclosed. DDQ* converts alkylbenzenes to olefins and then olefins to buta-1,3-dienes in a consecutive manner.