Structural effects in the TiO2-photocatalyzed oxidation of alkylaromatic compounds in acetonitrile in the presence of Ag2SO4

Analysis of the TiO2-photocatalyzed oxidation of alkylbenzenes in MeCN with Ag2SO4 as the electron-trapping species reveals that the generated radical cations undergo deprotonation to benzyl radicals. The benzyl radicals undergo a secondary reaction involving a beta-C-H bond cleavage. 1-aryl-2-propanes and corresponding methyl esters undergo beta-C-C bond cleavage. Proper substitution of ester leads to C-4 bond cleavage, suggesting the influence of structure on the photochemical reaction.