Catalyst-Free Selective Oxidation of Diverse Olefins to Carbonyls in High Yield Enabled by Light under Mild Conditions.

The selective oxidation of olefins, in particular, aromatic olefins to carbonyls, is of significance in organic synthesis. In general, stoichiometric toxic oxidants or a high-cost catalyst is required. Herein we report a novel and practical light-enabled protocol for the synthesis of carbonlys in high yield through a catalyst-free oxidation of olefins using H2O2 as a clean oxidant. A broad scope of carbonyls can be synthesized in high yield, and no catalyst or toxic oxidant is required.