A simple and straightforward method for the synthesis of primary α-ketoamides has been discovered. The reaction represents the first example of benzylimidates directly converting to primary α-ketoamides by using sustainable molecular oxygen as an oxidant. This reaction proceeds in the presence of copper(II) salt via cleavage of benzylic C-H and C-O bonds of the benzylimidates with liberation of alcohols as the only byproduct. A wide substrate scope, operationally mild conditions, the use of single substrates, and a reaction scaled up to grams make this strategy very attractive and practical. Furthermore, mechanistic studies illustrate that the imidate group adjacent to the benzylic position plays crucial role in facilitating this chemical process.