Photochemical oxidative synthesis of carboxylic acids from aldehydes or alcohols with water via CH bromination

The photoinduced oxidation of aldehydes or alcohols with water to give the corresponding carboxylic acids is described. This photochemical carboxylation proceeds via the in-situ generation of acyl-bromide intermediates upon irradiation with purple or UV LED light; these intermediates subsequently react with water to give the desired carboxylic acids. This mild photochemical reaction affords diverse carboxylic acids without peroxide generation or the need to use transition-metal catalysts and a stoichiometric amount of base, highlighting its potential utility for the synthesis of natural products and bioactive compounds.