Photoinduced Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols to Aldehydes or Ketones Using SF6 as the Oxidant.

Efficient activation and utilization of strong greenhouse gas SF6 enable a green organic synthesis. Previous studies achieved sulfinic acid esters or deoxygenative fluorination from alcohols using SF6 under photoredox conditions. Here, we report a blue-light-driven photocatalytic method that selectively oxidizes benzyl alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones. This approach provides a sustainable route for aldehyde and ketone synthesis while realizing SF6 utilization.