Redox-neutral decarboxylative coupling of fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids via dual metal photoelectrocatalysis

Abstract

Given the importance and beneficial characteristics of aliphatic CF₃ chiral compounds in modern chemistry, efficient strategies for their synthesis are highly sought after. While α-CF₃ carboxylic acid is an emerging and easily accessible CF₃-containing synthon, its use as a source of fluoroalkyl is highly challenging due to its high oxidation potential. Herein, we disclose a photoelectrocatalytic method for the direct and enantioselective decarboxylative cross-coupling of α-CF₃ carboxylic acids. Key to our approach is the strategic integration of the LMCT-induced decarboxylative process with classical nickel catalysis. This strategy enables the efficient synthesis of aliphatic chiral CF₃ compounds with a broad range of substrates.