Continuous activation of phenoxide and CF3I for multiple trifluoromethylations

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Dec 20. doi: 10.1039/d4cc06221c. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The introduction of multiple trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups into aromatic compounds remains a significant challenge in synthetic chemistry. Here, we report an unprecedented visible light-promoted multiple trifluoromethylation of phenols using commercially available CF3I. The key to success lies in our discovery of a "continuous activation strategy" that enables sequential trifluoromethylations through single-electron transfer from photoexcited phenoxide to CF3I until all ortho or para positions are occupied. This practical method provides access to previously inaccessible multi-CF3-substituted phenols under mild conditions, opening revolutionary possibilities for the design of fluorine-containing functional materials.