Visible-light induced oxidative Csp3–H activation of methyl aromatics to methyl esters†
Abstract
Direct functionalization of readily available hydrocarbons under mild conditions fulfills the requirements of green and sustainable chemistry. In this work, a mild and green catalytic oxidative Csp3–H activation of methyl aromatics using O2via photocatalysis has been achieved. A lot of methyl aromatics can be tolerated, providing a green route for aromatic methyl carboxylates. In addition, this protocol can be performed on a gram scale.