Ambient-Light-Promoted Three-Component Annulation: Synthesis of Perfluoroalkylated Pyrimidines

An
ambient-light-promoted and metal-free three-component reaction
of active methylene compounds, perfluoroalkyl iodides, and guanidines/amidines
is reported. This constitutes a powerful method to prepare perfluoroalkylated
pyrimidines with mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope,
excellent functional group tolerance, and simple operation. A radical/polar
mechanism involving the formation of a halogen-bond adduct and radical
cross-coupling is proposed.