Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Fluoroalkylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

A decarboxylative fluoroalkylation of α,β‐unsaturated acids was developed by the use of a dual nickel/photoredox catalysis system. The fluoroalkyl radicals are generated from α‐CF3 alkyl bromides by nickel‐induced single electron transfer (SET) and are subsequently intercepted by a cinnamic acid to forge the targeted C‐C bonds. A wide variety of substrates bearing a diverse set of functional groups were compatible with the mild reaction conditions (visible light, room temperature, cheap metal, no strong oxidant or reductant), thus affording trifluoromethyl analogues of α‐methylated allylic compounds.