Photocatalyst-Free Visible-Light-Induced Trifluoroalkylation of Electron-Deficient Heteroaromatics via a Three-Component Minisci-Type Reaction.
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The combination of electron-poor heterocycles and trifluoromethyl motifs is widely found in pharmaceuticals, making the development of methods for the simultaneous introduction of these two features highly desirable. Herein, we report a fast, acid-free, metal-free, photocatalyst-free, and operationally simple multicomponent approach for the trifluoroalkylation of electron-poor heterocycles under open-air conditions. The method relies on the ability of trifluoromethyl thianthrenium triflate to generate CF3 radicals and proceeds through a polarity-reversal cascade strategy employing electron-rich alkenes as linkers. A broad range of alkenes and heterocycles was evaluated, and the chemo-and regioselectivity of the process were thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that multiple pathways contribute to the formation of the desired products.
Source: ChemRxiv
Institution: Universitat de València
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223106222