Intermolecular trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes enabled by metal-free photoredox catalysis

A three-component and redox-neutral trifluoromethylative alkenylation of unactivated alkenes with beta-nitrostyrenes has been developed under visible-light. This metal-free protocol utilizes the easy to handle Langlois reagent (CF3SO2Na) as the CF3 source and is suitable for various unactivated alkenes and beta-nitrostyrenes, affording a series of trifluoromethylated aromatic alkenes under mild conditions in good to excellent yields.

Automated summary

A metal-free, three-component trifluoromethylative alkenylation reaction using beta-nitrostyrenes with unactivated alkenes has been developed under visible light, providing a series of trifluoromethylated aromatic alkenes in good to excellent yields.