Chemistry - A European Journal · 2019 · 197 citations · 132 references
Electrophotochemistry has enabled arene C-H trifluoromethylation with the Langlois reagent CF<sub>3</sub> SO<sub>2</sub> Na under mild reaction conditions. The merger of electrosynthesis and photoredox catalysis provided a chemical oxidant-free approach for the generation of the CF<sub>3</sub> radical. The electrophotochemistry was carried out in an operationally simple manner, setting the stage for challenging C-H trifluoromethylations of unactivated arenes and heteroarenes. The robust nature of the electrophotochemical manifold was reflected by a wide scope, including electron-rich and electron-deficient benzenes, as well as naturally occurring heteroarenes. Electrophotochemical C-H trifluoromethylation was further achieved in flow with a modular electro-flow-cell equipped with an in-operando monitoring unit for on-line flow-NMR spectroscopy, providing support for the single electron transfer processes.
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