Electrochemical Trifluoromethylation of Alkenes Using the Unpurified CF3I Reagent from Fluoroform

Abstract

Fluoroform (HCF3) is an excess industrial gas with a significant greenhouse effect. The utilization of fluoroform as the trifluoromethyl precursor could turn the waste into a value-added product. In this work, we report a protocol for converting fluoroform to CF3I, which was used directly in the electrochemical trifluoromethylation of alkenes facilitated by the orthogonal reactivity in two steps. This protocol could give the trifluoromethylated products in comparable yield to those obtained with a commercial CF3I solution. In particular, the iodine residue in the prepared CF3I has a positive effect in some examples, with advantages over commercial CF3I reagents.