4CzIPN catalyzed photochemical oxidation of benzylic alcohols

A green photoredox oxidation of benzylic primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones with air as an oxidant was reported. The oxidation shows broad substrate scope and excellent selectivity over benzylic alcohols to the aliphatic alcohols. Further mechanistic studies revealed a quinuclidine mediated HAT process, and blue LEDs promoted 4CzIPN (1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene) photoredox cycle were involved in our oxidation. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A green photoredox oxidation method was reported for the conversion of benzylic primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones using air as an oxidant. The oxidation exhibited broad substrate scope and excellent selectivity towards benzylic alcohols over aliphatic alcohols. Mechanistic studies revealed a quinuclidine mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process, along with blue LEDs promoting 4CzIPN photoredox cycle involved in the oxidation.