Selective Defluoroalkylation and Hydrodefluorination of Trifluoromethyl Groups Photocatalyzed by Dihydroacridine Derivatives
Shiyu Li, Xinyu Yang, Peng-Hui Shen, Lei Xu, Jun Xu, Qi Zhang, Hua‐Jian Xu
Abstract
)-F bonds. Herein, we present dihydroacridine derivatives as photocatalysts that can functionalize the C-F bond of trifluoromethyl groups with various alkenes under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations revealed that upon irradiation, the dihydroacridine derivatives exhibit high reducibility and function as photocatalysts for reductive defluorination. This process involves a sequential single-electron transfer mechanism. This research provides valuable insights into the properties of dihydroacridine derivatives as photocatalysts, highlighting the importance of maintaining a planar conformation and a large conjugated system for optimal catalytic activity. These findings facilitate the efficient catalytic reduction of inert chemical bonds.