Visible light enabled para-fluoro-thiol ligation

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate a light-induced para-fluoro-thiol reaction using the photogeneration of a superbase, i.e. 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. This photochemical process was utilized in the synthesis of small thioether molecules with high yields (>85%), and the side-chain modification and crosslinking of a poly(styrene-co-pentafluorostyrene). The reaction can be triggered by visible light with temporal control, enabling the use of sunlight for activation.