Photooxidative Keto-Trifluoromethylation of Styrenes by Means of an Anthraquinone-Based Organocatalyst

Abstract

α-Trifluoromethyl ketones are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of various trifluoromethyl-functionalized molecules. Although there are significant advantages in the development of methods toward direct transformations of styrenes into α-trifluoromethyl ketones, most procedures leading to α-trifluoromethyl ketones require heavy- or transition-metal-based complexes. Herein, a novel method is developed for the synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl ketones via anthraquinone-catalyzed photooxidative keto-trifluoromethylation of styrenes with the readily available Langlois reagent (CF3SO2Na) under an oxygen atmosphere. The reactions proceed smoothly to give the products in moderate to excellent yield with good selectivity.