Multicomponent Oxidative Trifluoromethylation of Alkynes with Photoredox Catalysis: Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Ketones

Abstract

The direct oxidative addition of CF₃ and H₂O to alkynes was achieved with photoredox catalysis to obtain α-trifluoromethyl ketones via rapid enol-keto tautomerization. The reaction exhibits high functional group tolerance and regioselectivity. Heterocycles of various sizes containing CF₃ were synthesized from the α-CF₃-substituted diketones obtained through the protocol, thereby demonstrating the versatile applicability of the method. Mechanistic studies of the reaction with isotopes provided insight into the reaction pathway.