Metal-free synthesis of ketones by visible-light induced aerobic oxidative radical addition of aryl hydrazines to alkenesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7gc01083d

A green and cost-effective method has been developed for the conversion of alkenes to ketones under metal-free conditions. The reaction involves the oxidative addition of alkenes with aryl radicals, which are generated by visible-light induced aerobic oxidation of arylhydrazines. The key features of this reaction include broad substrate scope, readily available reagents and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. A green and cost-effective method has been developed for the conversion of alkenes to ketones under metal-free conditions.