10.1002/anie.201608297
The research focuses on developing a practical photocatalytic method for the trifluoromethylation and hydrotrifluoromethylation of styrenes, which are challenging substrates due to potential side reactions. The experiments utilize fac-Ir(ppy)3 as a photocatalyst, visible light, and the inexpensive CF3I as the trifluoromethylating agent. The study explores batch and continuous-flow reaction conditions to improve reaction time and selectivity. Reactants include various styrene derivatives, CF3I, and 4-hydroxythiophenol (4-HTP) as a hydrogen atom donor for hydrotrifluoromethylation. Analyses involve determining yields and E/Z ratios using 19F-NMR spectroscopy with a,a,a-trifluorotoluene as an internal standard, and evaluating the impact of different bases, solvents, and light conditions on the reaction outcomes.