Visible light photocatalysis with CBr4: a highly selective aerobic photooxidation of methylarenes to aldehydes

Abstract

A metal-free, operationally simple and efficient means of aerobic photooxidation of methylarenes to aromatic aldehydes at room temperature employing visible light photocatalysis with CBr₄ is reported. The reaction is highly selective as it proceeds without any over oxidation to carboxylic acids. The utilisation of visible light and molecular oxygen is inexpensive, readily available, non-toxic and the sustainable reagents make the protocol compatible with green chemistry demands. A plausible mechanism for the formation of aldehydes from methylarenes is also provided.