Visible Light-Mediated Benzylic Oxidation Using Bromodiphenylmethane

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 using bromodiphenylmethane as the Br source for the photo-triggered 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 from a reaction between a benzylic C radical and molecular oxygen.