C-H Photooxygenation of Alkyl Benzenes Catalyzed by Riboflavin Tetraacetate and a Non-Heme Iron Catalyst.

A mixture of the photocatalyst riboflavin tetraacetate (RFT) and the biomimetic non-heme iron complex [Fe(TPA)(MeCN)2](ClO4)2 (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) efficiently catalyzes the visible-light-driven aerobic oxidation of alkyl benzenes to ketones and carboxylic acids. An RFT-catalyzed photocycle and the independent action of the iron complex as a catalyst for H2O2 disproportionation and alkyl benzene oxygenation ensure high yields and selectivities.