Transition metal-free electrochemical fluorotrifluoromethylation of Styrenes

An environmentally friendly electrochemical fluorotrifluoromethylation of styrenes was developed via the tandem processes of electro-oxidation and radical and nucleophilic addition. By using commercial CF3SO2Na and Et3N center dot 3HF as the CF3 and F sources, respectively, a series of potentially bio-active multi-site F-containing compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields. This fluorotrifluoromethylation strategy is catalyst- and oxidant-free, and demonstrates mild conditions and high step economy features. In addition, several analytical methods, including cyclic voltammetry and control experiments, were conducted to investigate a reasonable reaction mechanism.