Cascade Radical Trifluoromethylthiolation/Cyclization of Dienes To Access SCF₃-Containing Medium-Sized Heterocycles

Abstract

A novel radical cascade trifluoromethylthiolation/cyclization of dienes (<i>N</i>-alkyl-2-(1-phenylvinyl)aniline derivatives) with AgSCF₃ has been developed. This approach provides simple and efficient access to a wide range of SCF₃-containing medium-sized rings (7/8/9-membered heterocycles). Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction is realized through a silver-assisted radical cascade cyclization process. The large-scale experiment and modification of the product reveal the promising utility of this protocol.