Work

Redox-mediator free, electrochemical S-trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A simple and sustainable electrochemical S -trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides is reported that requires no external oxidants or metal catalysts. Using sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate (Langlois' reagent) as an inexpensive CF 3 • source, the reaction proceeds under mild conditions and provides a green, cost-effective route to trifluoromethyl thioethers with up to 74% yield. • Efficient and sustainable S -trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides. • The use of electrical current together with a cheap precursor allows for a cheap, efficient process. • Detailed insight into mechanism. • The direct approach (without redox mediator) changes the mechanism and also the scope of substrates.

Source: Electrochemistry Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2026.108171

Authors: Marc Lingner, Chenghao Lv, Jinxuan Liu, Andreas Terfort

Institutions: Goethe University Frankfurt, Dalian University of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals

Language: English

Topic: Fluorine in Organic Chemistry

Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,630

Funder: China Scholarship Council