Oxidative Cleavage and Fluoromethylthiolation of C═C Bonds: A General Route toward Mono-, Di-, and Trifluoromethylthioesters from Alkenes.

A novel oxidative cleavage and fluoromethylthiolation reaction of C═C bonds has been developed that represents the first and general method for the preparation of mono-, di-, and trifluoromethylthioesters from alkenes. The protocol features excellent product selectivity and substrate suitability. Various observations suggested that the protocol proceeded via a two-step radical process and that aldehyde was the key intermediate. What's more meaningful is that this route provides a new direction for converting alkenes into higher-value-added carbonyl-containing chemicals.