Intermolecular trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes enabled by metal-free photoredox catalysis

Abstract

A three-component and redox-neutral trifluoromethylative alkenylation of unactivated alkenes with β-nitrostyrenes has been developed under visible-light. This metal-free protocol utilizes the easy to handle Langlois reagent (CF₃SO₂Na) as the CF₃ source and is suitable for various unactivated alkenes and β-nitrostyrenes, affording a series of trifluoromethylated aromatic alkenes under mild conditions in good to excellent yields.