Photoredox Catalytic Trifluoromethylation and Perfluoroalkylation of (Hetero)arenes Using Trifluoroacetic and Related Carboxylic Acids

A mild and practical method has been achieved that allows for the direct C–H trifluoromethylation, perfuoroalkylation and chlorodifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes using inexpensive and abundant trifluoroacetic acid and the corresponding carboxylic acids. A diverse array of arenes and heteroarenes were successfully transformed into valuable fluoroalkylated compounds. The combination of photoredox catalysis and a diaryl sulfoxide provides a platform for the facile generation of fluoroalkyl radicals from the corresponding fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids under mild conditions.