Iodine-catalyzed oxidative C–C bond cleavage for benzoic acids and benzamides from alkyl aryl ketones

Iodine-catalyzed oxidative C–C bond cleavage has been performed for the facile synthesis of both benzoic acids and benzamides from readily available alkyl aryl ketones. Additionally benzylidene acetones and phenylacetylenes were also converted to the corresponding aromatic acids under the same conditions. This approach features the use of inexpensive iodine as a catalyst, broad substrate scope and open air conditions.