Visible-light mediated C-C bond cleavage of 1,2-diols to carbonyls by cerium-photocatalysis.

We describe a photocatalytic method for the cleavage of vicinal diols to aldehydes and ketones. The reaction is catalyzed by blue light and a cerium-catalyst and the scope includes aryl as well as alkyl substituted diols. The simple protocol which works under air and at room temperature enables the valorization of abundant diols.