Heterogeneous photocatalytic anaerobic oxidation of alcohols to ketones by Pt-mediated hole oxidation.

We report a platinum nanocluster/graphitic carbon nitride (Pt/g-C3N4) composite solid catalyst with a photocatalytic anaerobic oxidation function for highly active and selective transformation of alcohols to ketones. The desirable products were successfully obtained in good to excellent yields from various functionalized alcohols at room temperature, including unactivated alcohols. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction could proceed through a Pt-mediated hole oxidation initiating an α-alcohol radical intermediate followed by a two-electron oxidation pathway. The merit of this strategy offers a general approach towards green and sustainable organic synthetic chemistry.