Strain-Release-Driven Synthesis of Pentafluorosulfanylated Four-Membered Rings under Energy Transfer Photocatalysis.

Methods to prepare SF-containing molecules are of significant interest, as the pentafluorosulfanyl (SF) group imparts unique chemical and physical properties─such as high electronegativity, and thermal stability─that are valuable in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. The use of our shelf-stable reagent, imine-SF, enables selective access to four-membered ring SF-containing molecules under mild reaction conditions via a strain-release approach facilitated by energy-transfer catalysis. Mechanistic investigations provided insight into the reaction pathway. This approach advances pentafluorosulfanylation methodology, paving the way for future development.