Visible-Light-Driven Sulfonation of α-Trifluoromethylstyrenes: Access to Densely Functionalized CF3-Substituted Tertiary Alcohol

Reported herein is a visible-light-induced sulfonation of alpha-trifluoromethylstyrenes with sodium sulfinates, which provides a series of alpha-trifluoromethyl-beta-sulfonyl tertiary alcohols. This new synthetic protocol is enabled by a charge-transfer complex between oxygen and sulfinates, featuring broad substrate scope and scalability. Excellent functional group compatibility and chemoselectivity render this method suitable for sulfonation of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. In the presence of D2O, deuteriotrifluorinated products were also obtained, further demonstrating the flexibility and synthetic potentials of this strategy.

Automated summary

This study presents a visible-light-induced sulfonation reaction of alpha-trifluoromethylstyrenes with sodium sulfinates to afford a series of important organic compounds. The protocol features broad substrate scope, excellent chemoselectivity, and is suitable for synthesizing pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Additionally, deuteriotrifluorinated products can be obtained in the presence of D2O, showcasing the flexibility and synthetic potential of this strategy.