Perfluoroalkylation of organic compounds by photoredox catalysis with organic dyes

Abstract

The generation of perfluoroalkyl radicals (RF) by means of photocatalysis is a more suitable route than the established perfluoroalkyl radical production through chemical initiators, like azo or peroxide compounds or the employment of transition metals through thermal electron transfer (ET) initiation processes. The photocatlytic reaction conditions withstand an array of functional groups and, therefore, can be applied to the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules. Photoorgano catalysts (POC), in the absence of transition metals, can function, upon excitation, as electron exchange species, triggering ET reactions that yield RF radicals. RF radical production without the assistance of transition metals through the employment of POC will be described, studying classical examples and the most recent investigations in the field.