Visible-light-induced transition-metal-free defluorosilylation of α-trifluoromethylalkenes via hydrogen atom transfer of silanes

Abstract

A feasible and effective synthetic protocol for silyl gem-difluoroalkenes was reported. With the cooperation of sequential single electron transfer and hydrogen atom transfer processes catalyzed by organic photocatalysts (4-CzIPN) and (i-Pr)₃SiSH, defluorosilylations of trifluoromethylalkenes occurred smoothly with aryl and alkyl silanes under visible light irradiation. Notably, the protocol features broad scope, transition metal-free conditions, utilization of green solvents, and validity for the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecule derivatives.