Synthesis of Tri- and Difluoromethoxylated Compounds by Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

摘要

Trifluoromethoxy (OCF3) and difluoromethoxy (OCF2H) groups are fluorinated structural motifs that exhibit unique physicochemical characteristics. Incorporation of these substituents into organic molecules is a highly desirable approach used in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery processes to alter the properties of a parent compound. Recently, tri- and difluoromethyl ethers have received increasing attention and several innovative strategies to access these valuable functional groups have been developed. The focus of this Minireview is the use of visible-light photoredox catalysis in the synthesis of tri- and difluoromethyl ethers. Recent photocatalytic strategies for the formation of O-CF3, C-OCF3, O-CF2H, and C-OCF2H bonds as well as other transformations leading to the construction of ORF groups are discussed herein.