Visible-Spectrum Solar-Light-Mediated Benzylic C–H Oxygenation Using 9,10-Dibromoanthracene As an Initiator
Sourav Kumar Santra, Alex M. Szpilman
Abstract
We report a visible-light-mediated benzylic C-H oxygenation reaction. The reaction is initiated by solar light or the blue LED activation of 9,10-dibromoanthracene in a reaction with oxygen and takes place at ambient temperature and air pressure. Secondary benzylic positions are oxygenated to ketones, while tertiary benzylic carbons are oxygenated to give hydroperoxides. Notably, cumene hydroperoxide is produced in a higher yield and at milder conditions than the currently employed industrial conditions.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryPhotochemistryCumene hydroperoxideCumeneVisible spectrumOxygenationYield (engineering)OxygenOrganic chemistryCatalysisOptoelectronicsPhysicsMaterials scienceMetallurgyBiologyEcologyRadical Photochemical ReactionsOxidative Organic Chemistry ReactionsCatalytic C–H Functionalization Methods