A photocatalyzed aliphatic fluorination

Abstract

We disclose a new approach to the catalysis of alkane fluorination employing ultraviolet light and a photosensitizer, 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCB). The process is efficient, mild, and operationally straightforward. We demonstrate reaction utility on a variety of substrates, from simple hydrocarbons to complex natural products. In a showcase example, we establish that the well-known photochemical rearrangement of α-santonin can be supplanted by a highly selective catalyzed fluorination.