Photoredox trifluoromethylation of isocyanides to access 2-trifluoromethylated quinolines and indoles

Abstract

We herein report a divergent synthesis of 2-CF₃ substituted quinolines and indoles via photoredox radical trifluoromethylation of ortho-vinylphenylisocyanides. This mild and green protocol offers a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the trifluoromethyl radical is generated through an EDA complex between Togni's reagent and a base under light irradiation.