This work employs electrocatalytic oxidation to directly functionalize benzyl C–H bonds, producing corresponding alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. The method demonstrates broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, offering an efficient and environmentally benign strategy for synthesizing these oxygenated compounds via direct C–H bond activation.

Abstract

This study proposes an effective method for direct hydroxylation/carbonylation of benzyl C─H bonds. The key feature of this synthesis method is the use of electrochemical conditions that eliminate the need for metal-free catalyst or oxidants. Water serves as a direct oxygen source to achieve direct hydroxylation/carbonylation of benzyl C─H bonds. The reaction exhibits good selectivity and a broad application range. By controlling the reaction conditions, various types of hydroxylation and carbonylation products can be synthesized, and the feasibility of gram-scale reactions can be verified.