Visible-Light Mediated <i>ortho</i>-Trifluoromethylation of Aniline Derivatives

Abstract

A general visible-light mediated <i>ortho</i>-C-H trifluoromethylation of aniline derivatives by using a low-cost and stable Langlois reagent (CF₃SO₂Na) as the "CF₃" source has been developed. In contrast to previous reports, this strategy allowed access to elusive trifluoromethyl lactams. Furthermore, mechanism experiments revealed that a copper/photoredox dual catalytic mechanism enabled general trifluoromethylation of aniline derivatives.