Photoredox Catalytic Activation of Trichlorofluoromethane and Addition to Styrenes

Abstract

A new method activates CCl 3 F by means of photoredox catalysis and functionalizes alkenes by the CCl 2 F group. N-phenylphenothiazine is used as strongly reducing organophotocatalyst. The photoredox catalytic approach combines the productive disposal of this ozone depleting material and greenhouse gas with the synthesis of potentially useful organic compounds, complements the concept of atom transfer radical addition, and allows for the first time direct synthetic access to the CCl 2 F group as structural motif. The substrate scope is broad and the multifunctionalized class of products allows for a variety of following-up transformations.