Visible-Light-Mediated Trifluoromethylation/Benzylation of Styrenes Catalyzed by 4-CzIPN.

Difunctionalization of alkenes is a valuable tool for the synthesis of complicated compounds from simple precursors. Herein, a feasible method for the construction of β-trifluoromethyl-α-substituted alcohols under visible-light-induced metal-free conditions is described. This catalytic system exhibits mild reaction conditions and good compatibility of functional groups. Trifluoromethyl and alcohols are valuable structural motifs due to their unique biological properties, and this work shows the potential application in the realm of pharmacy and organic synthesis.