Visible-light-promoted photocatalyst- and additive-free intermolecular trifluoromethyl-thio(seleno)cyanation of alkenes

Abstract

A visible-light-promoted highly selective and efficient strategy for the trifluoromethyl-thiocyanation of alkenes under transition-metal-, photocatalyst- and additive-free conditions has been reported using stable and recyclable Umemoto reagent II as the CF₃ source and inexpensive ammonium thiocyanate as the thiocyanating agent. This economical and environmentally benign protocol is suitable for styrenes, acrylates and unactivated alkenes and delivers various trifluoromethyl-thiocyanates in good to excellent yields. In addition, trifluoromethyl-selenocyanation of alkenes is also demonstrated for the first time using this protocol with potassium selenocyanate.