Trifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes with Me3SiCF3 and N-Iodosuccinimide.

A novel approach to the trifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes is presented. This reaction is promoted by N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) under visible light irradiation without the need for photocatalysts. The mild conditions allow the direct synthesis of useful trifluoromethylated ( E)-alkenes from readily available alkene feedstocks with excellent functional group tolerability. In addition, using easy-to-handle and commercial Me3SiCF3 instead of gaseous CF3I as the CF3 source is highly attractive for industrial-scale applications.