Abstract: Provided is a photo-oxidation reaction of benzylic C—H bonds of an aromatic compound under the catalysis of an acid catalyst. The method aims to synthesize aromatic acids and acetophenones. The acid catalyst is one of Bronsted acids, including one or a mixture of two or more selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and potassium hydrogen sulfate, as well as N-propylsulfonate pyridinium hydrogensulfate, N-butylsulfonate pyridinium hydrogensulfate, N-propylsulfonate pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, N-butylsulfonate pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, N-propylsulfonate pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, and N-butylsulfonate pyridinium tetrafluoroborate. The oxidation reaction is conducted under mild conditions (normal temperature and pressure) using air or oxygen as the oxidant in the presence of recyclable catalyst and solvent.

Abstract: Provided is a photo-oxidation reaction of benzylic C—H bonds of an aromatic compound under the catalysis of an acid catalyst. The method aims to synthesize aromatic acids and acetophenones. The acid catalyst is one of Bronsted acids, including one or a mixture of two or more selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and potassium hydrogen sulfate, as well as N-propylsulfonate pyridinium hydrogensulfate, N-butylsulfonate pyridinium hydrogensulfate, N-propylsulfonate pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, N-butylsulfonate pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, N-propylsulfonate pyridinium tetrafluoroborate, and N-butylsulfonate pyridinium tetrafluoroborate. The oxidation reaction is conducted under mild conditions (normal temperature and pressure) using air or oxygen as the oxidant in the presence of recyclable catalyst and solvent.