Radical-Mediated Fluoroalkylations

Recently, the development of eco-friendly radical processes has become of great interest in synthetic chemistry. In particular, visible-light photocatalysis has drawn tremendous attention for its environmental compatibility and versatility in promoting many synthetically important reactions. In addition, inorganic electrides as electron donors have emerged as new eco-friendly tools for radical transformations since they consist of non-toxic and naturally abundant main metals such as calcium. The design of new fluoroalkylation reactions has benefited greatly from recent advances in visible-light photocatalysis and the chemistry of inorganic electrides. Since adding fluoroalkyl groups can dramatically change the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds, using these processes to promote eco-friendly radical fluoroalkylations will have a major impact in areas such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and material sciences. This Personal Account reviews radical-mediated fluoroalkylations, such as trifluoromethylations and difluoroalkylations, recently developed in our laboratory.