Visible-light-promoted trifluoromethylation/arylation of unactivated alkenes with Togni-CF3 for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated pyrrolo[1,2–a]indoles

Abstract

Herein, we reported a visible-light-promoted trifluoromethylation/arylation of unactivated alkenes with Togni-CF₃, leading to a series of trifluoromethylated indole-fused heterocycles in moderate to good yields. Mechanically, this reaction initiated by the radical addition of CF₃ radical to the alkene motif, furnishing an alkyl carbon radical, followed by its addition to the aromatic ring, and then rearomatization to afford the trifluoromethylated pyrrolo[1,2–a]indoles.