A metal-free oxidative coupling of styrenes and benzyl alcohols with arenes has been developed for the synthesis of biaryls. The reaction features a conspicuous benzylic C-C bond cleavage of styrenes and benzyl alcohols. The reaction with both substrates proceeds through a common aldehydic intermediate formed through oxidative C-C bond cleavage of alkene and oxidation of benzyl alcohols. The reaction proceeds efficiently over a broad range of substrates with excellent functional group tolerance.