Visible-Light photoredox decarboxylation of perfluoroarene iodine(III) Trifluoroacetates for C-H trifluoromethylation of (Hetero)arenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acscatal.7b03990

A scalable and operationally simple decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes with easily accessible C₆F₅I(OCOCF₃)₂ under photoredox catalysis has been developed. This method is tolerant of various (hetero)arenes and functional groups. Notably, C₆F₅I is recycled from the decarboxylation reaction and further used for the preparation of C₆F₅I(OCOCF₃)₂. The combination of photoredox catalysis and hypervalent iodine reagent provides a practical approach for the application of trifluoroacetic acid in trifluoromethylation reactions.