Aerobic Oxidation of Benzylic sp3 C-H Bonds through Cooperative Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis of N-Hydroxyimide and Dicyanopyrazine

A visible-light-driven cooperative catalysis between dicyanopyrazine-derived chromophore (DPZ) and N-hydroxyimide has been developed. Under irradiation with a low-energy and operationally convenient visible light, the cooperative catalytic system could facilitate the aerobic oxygenation of a series of benzylic sp(3) C-H bonds through a photoredox pathway. The method provides a novel approach to access valuable carbonyls from benzylic methylenes and benzylic alcohols in moderate to excellent yields (up to 93%).