Ultraviolet-light-induced aerobic oxidation of benzylic C(sp3)-H of alkylarenes under catalyst- and additive-free conditions

A mild and efficient system has been discovered for the synthesis of α-aryl carbonyl compounds via oxidation of benzylic C–H to CO 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. [Display omitted] •An efficient strategy for synthesis of α-aryl carbonyl compounds has been reported.•The ultraviolet-light-mediated reaction with excellent substrate scope.•Catalyst- and additive-free at room temperature conditions.•Good to excellent yields can be obtained.