ELECTRON-CATALYZED RADICAL PERFLUOROALKYLATION OF ORGANIC SULFIDES. THE SERENDIPITOUS USE OF TMEDA/I2 COMPLEX AS RADICAL INITIATOR

Radical initiation for the perfluoroalkylation reaction of sulfides has been performed using the complex [(TMEDA) I.I3] and visible light. This methodology bypasses the use of metal(organo)catalysts where the complex [(TMEDA) I.I3] acts as a good electron donor / reductant radical initiating agent. Biologically-relevant sulfides are easily substituted with RF moieties employing a mild and environmentally benign radical strategy starting from readily-available RFI.