Ligand-free nickel catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of arenes and heteroarenes

We describe a ligand-free Ni-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of heteroarenes to produce a diverse array of trfiluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl and heptafluoropropyl adducts. Catalysis proceeds at room temperature via a radical pathway. The catalytic protocol is distinguished by its simplicity, and its wide scope demonstrates the potential in the late-stage functionalization of drug analogues and peptides.

Automated summary

We describe a ligand-free Ni-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation method for heteroarenes, producing a diverse range of trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, and heptafluoropropyl adducts. Catalysis occurs via a radical pathway at room temperature. The simplicity of the catalytic protocol and its wide scope demonstrate its potential for late-stage functionalization of drug analogues and peptides.