Tert-butyl nitrite: a metal-free radical initiator for aerobic cleavage of benzylic C=C bonds in compressed carbon dioxide

Tert-butyl nitrite easily releasing alkoxyl radical and NO in combination with compressed CO2 under metal free condition was applied to efficiently and selectively initiate aerobic cleavage of benzylic C=C bonds. Notably, compressed CO2 in this study not only provides a safe reaction environment but also tunes the selectivity.