Direct synthesis of α-bromoketones from alkylarenes by aerobic visible light photooxidation.

The direct synthesis of α-bromoketones from alkylarenes by aerobic photooxidation with hydrobromic acid is reported. The key success for this direct oxidative reaction is due to control of bromination with acetic acid and ethanol, which are generated in situ by solvolysis of ethyl acetate in the course of the reaction.