Abstract: Visible light catalysis allows the regioselective synthesis of oxazolines in high yields. The mild photosensitized manifold leverages the intermolecular formation of oxazolines with a wide functional group tolerance on both benzoyl azides and alkenes partners. Mechanistic investigations suggest the sensitization of the azide moiety as the key activation step.

Abstract: Tri(9-anthryl)borane was successfully applied as an organophotocatalyst for the visible-light-induced trifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes with CF₃I. The mild reaction conditions tolerated a variety of functional groups, and the reaction could be extended to perfluoroalkylations with C₃F₇I and C₄F₉I. Mechanistic studies revealed that the photoredox catalysis involves an oxidative quenching pathway.

Here we report the first such use of photoredox catalysis to promote the addition of organic halides to the caged carbocycle [1.1.1]propellane; the products of this process are bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs), motifs that are of high importance as bioisosteres in the pharmaceutical industry, and in materials applications.