Photoredox Catalytic Activation of Trichlorofluoromethane and Addition to Styrenes

A new method activates CCl3F by means of photoredox catalysis and functionalizes alkenes by the CCl2F group. N-phenylphenothiazine is used as strongly reducing organophotocatalyst. The photoredox catalytic approach combines the productive disposal of this ozone depleting material and greenhouse gas with the synthesis of potentially useful organic compounds, complements the concept of atom transfer radical addition, and allows for the first time direct synthetic access to the CCl2F group as structural motif. The substrate scope is broad and the multifunctionalized class of products allows for a variety of following-up transformations.