Visible light-induced photocatalytic deoxyfluorination of benzyl alcohol using SF6 as a fluorinating reagent

Abstract

As fluorine atoms significantly strengthen the metabolic stability and bioavailability of organic molecules, benzyl fluoride is found as an essential skeleton in pharmaceuticals or biologically active molecules. Here, we employ sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) as an efficient fluorinating reagent, achieving nucleophilic fluorination of widely available benzyl alcohols under visible LED light irradiation with a low dosage of photocatalyst 4CzIPN. The reaction is compatible with several substrate backbones and is not air- or moisture-sensitive, realizing the degradation and utilization of SF₆, a potent greenhouse gas resource.