A method for direct oxidation of boronic esters to the carbonyl groups has been established herein. Under the irradiation of visible light and O2 atmosphere, ketones and aldehydes can be obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Using tetrabutylammonium tribromide (TBATB) as the catalyst, this procedure avoids using of metal-based (photo)catalysts. α-Borylalkyl radicals have been proposed as the key intermediates of this oxidation process.
