Visible light-induced phosphine-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of indoles

Abstract

A photo-induced, catalytic phosphine-promoted perfluoroalkylation reaction of indole molecules is developed. Inexpensive and readily available PPh₃ is used in a catalytic amount as the sole reaction initiator in this protocol. Indole molecules bearing various substitution patterns and biologically significant fragments work well in this strategy, with the perfluoroalkylated products obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Several of the obtained F-containing indole products exhibited good anti-bacterial activities against plant pathogens and can be regarded as promising lead structures in the development of novel pesticides.