Copper Cocatalyst Modulated Radical Generation for Selective Heterogeneous Photosynthesis of α-Haloketones

[Image: see text] The α-haloketones are important precursors for synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical applications; however, their production relies heavily on traditional synthetic methods via halogenation of ketones that are toxic and environmentally risky. Here, we report a heterogeneous photosynthetic strategy of α-haloketone production from aromatic olefins using copper-modified graphitic carbon nitride (Cu–C(3)N(4)) under mild reaction conditions. By employing NiX(2) (X = Cl, Br) as the halogen source, a series of α-haloketones can be synthesized using atmospheric air as the oxidant under visible-light irradiation. In comparison with pristine carbon nitride, the addition of Cu as a cocatalyst provides a moderate generation rate of halogen radicals and selective reduction of molecular oxygen into (•)OOH radicals, thus leading to a high selectivity to α-haloketones. The Cu–C(3)N(4) also exhibits high stability and versatility, rendering it a promising candidate for solar-driven synthetic applications.