Photoinduced carbonylative synthesis of β-trifluoromethylated thioesters through 1,2-trifluoromethylation and carbonylation of alkenes

Abstract

Among carboxylic acids, β-trifluoromethylated carboxylic acid derivatives are important components of drug molecules and have always been one of the research hotspots. In this work, a novel visible light-induced metal-free carbonylation method for the synthesis of β-trifluoromethylated thioesters has been developed. This method has been demonstrated to be an efficient procedure for synthesizing a variety of trifluoromethyl-containing carbonylated compounds. The synthesis of a variety of β-trifluoromethylated thioesters was accomplished through the utilization of abundant unactivated alkenes and Langlois’ reagent, under mild conditions. Concurrently, this method demonstrates good functional group tolerance with medium to excellent yields and good regioselectivity. It is noteworthy that the utilization of Langlois’ reagent as a trifluoromethyl source is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, with thiosulfonates serving as both endogenous oxidants and sulfur sources.