g-C3N4-Catalyzed photochemical synthesis of trifluoromethylated gem-difluoroalkenes from α-trifluoromethyl styrenes and CF3SO2Na

Trifluoromethyl-substituted gem-difluoroalkenes were synthesized via the reaction of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes with trifluoromethyl radical derived from sodium trifluoromethylsulfinate under the visible light induced graphitic carbon nitride-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis. The disclosed process is based on the sequential radical/ionic transformations of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes. The developed approach exploits the dual role of g-C3N4 as a photocatalyst. g-C3N4 acts as an electron acceptor for the generation of CF3 radicals and participates in the reduction of intermediate carbon-centered radical with β-elimination of fluoride anion and formation of the target products.