Selective Mono‐Defluorinative Cross‐Coupling of Trifluoromethyl arenes via Multiphoton Photoredox Catalysis

Abstract

AbstractA new cross‐coupling of trifluoromethyl arenes has been realized via multiphoton photoredox catalysis. Trifluoromethyl arenes were demonstrated to undergo selective mono‐defluorinative alkylation under mild reaction conditions providing access to a series of valuable α,α‐difluorobenzylic compounds. The reaction shows broad substrate scope and general functional group tolerance. In addition to the electron‐deficient trifluoromethyl arenes that are easily reduced to the corresponding radical anion, more challenging electron‐rich substrates were also successfully applied. Steady‐State Stern‐Volmer quenching studies indicated that the trifluoromethyl arenes were reduced by the multiphoton excited Ir‐based photocatalyst.