Visible Light‐Induced C─C Bond Cleavage for the Construction of Ketone Using Molecular Oxygen

Abstract The selective cleavage of carbon‐carbon bonds by photocatalysis with the participation of oxygen for ketone synthesis and drug derivatization is reported. In this oxidation‐based ketone formation reaction, molecular oxygen complexes with the substrate, which is subsequently photoexcited to generate a charge transfer (CT) state. This CT state facilitates energy transfer with molecular oxygen, producing singlet oxygen, which facilitates hydrogen atom process and promotes the subsequent cleavage of the carbon–carbon bond, ultimately leading to the formation of aryl ketone compounds. 48 aryl ketone compounds and pharmaceutical derivatives were synthesized using this method. A notable feature of this reaction is its catalyst‐free, additive‐free, and transition metals‐free nature combined with green, mild, and environmentally friendly reaction conditions enabling high yields.