Photoredox Catalytic α-Alkoxypentafluorosulfanylation of α-Methyl- and α-Phenylstyrene Using SF6

Phosphonium SF5 - Salts Derived from Sulfur Hexafluoride as Deoxyfluorination Reagents

Sulfur based deoxyfluorination reagents are usually derived from the corrosive gas SF4. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of an easily accessible phosphonium salt [(tmg)3PF]+SF5 - (1) which was obtained from the reaction of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) with tris(tetramethylguanidinyl)phosphine. The performance of this crystalline SF5 - salt as a reagent in deoxyfluorination reactions was investigated together with a second SF5 - salt [(R1)3PF]+SF5 - (2) containing bulky substituents (R1=1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolidin-2-ylidenamino). Both reagents proved to be effective for the deoxyfluorination of various functional groups including alcohols, anhydrides, and amides.

Activation and Catalytic Degradation of SF6 and PhSF5 at a Bismuth Center

In this work, we report the catalytic degradation of SF6 and PhSF5 using N,C,N pincer bismuthinidene complexes (1 and 5). Exposure of SF6 and PhSF5 to 1 results in the reduction of the S(VI) substrates and concomitant formation of Bi(III) and Bi(II) compounds, which were isolated and characterized. The oxidized bismuth-based products were demonstrated to undergo reduction with PMe3, recovering the starting complex 1. Having established a synthetic redox cycle, the catalytic degradation of SF6 and PhSF5 was developed through ligand optimization to 5, leading to a 528 TON for SF6 and the first reported TON for PhSF5 (3.2).

Hydrothiolation of Triisopropylsilyl Acetylene Sulfur Pentafluoride - Charting the Chemical Space of β-SF5 Vinyl Sulfides

Recently, we suggested liquid and high-boiling TIPS-CC-SF5 (TASP) as a versatile reagent to access so far elusive SF5-containing building blocks by less specialized laboratories under bench-top conditions. The synthesis of non-aromatic SF5 building blocks generally requires on-site fluorination or pentafluorosulfanylation steps employing toxic and/or gaseous reagents. Herein, we underline the versatility of this reagent by reporting a benign bench-top protocol for the synthesis of Z-configured β-pentafluorosulfanylated vinyl sulfides in good to excellent yields (up to 99 %) with exclusive (Z)-diasteroselectivity and broad functional group tolerance. This method exploits an in-situ protodesilylation-hydrothiolation sequence. This so far uncharted class of compounds was characterized by means of NMR-spectroscopy as well as SC-XRD. Furthermore, we suggest the reaction to proceed via a kinetically controlled closed-shell reaction pathway, corroborated by in-silico experiments.

Development of SF6 as a Formal Electrophilic Fluorinating Reagent for Photocatalyzed Oxidative Fluorination of Phosphine Oxides

Organophosphorus-fluorine compounds are of significant utility across biology, pharmacy, and chemical synthesis. Here, we introduce a photocatalyzed oxidative-fluorination approach employing SF6 as a formal electrophilic fluorinating reagent. It offers an innovative pathway to forge P(O)-F bonds. Notably, sulfur hexafluoride plays a dual role as both the oxidant and the fluorinating reagent under mild conditions in this transformation. Meanwhile, this method contributes to environmental sustainability by consuming a notorious greenhouse gas, underscoring the ecological benefits of our approach.

Visible-Light-Induced Oxidative Decarboxylative Coupling of Phenylacetic Acid Derivatives Using SF6 as an Oxidant

A visible-light-mediated decarboxylative coupling reaction of phenylacetic acid derivatives, featuring sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as the oxidant, has been developed. This metal-free method allows for the synthesis of a series of bibenzyl derivatives and complex all-carbon skeletons, facilitating efficient utilization and degradation of the greenhouse gas SF6.

Copper-Initiated Regiodivergent Chloropentafluorosulfanylation of 1,3-Enynes under Substrate Control

A copper-catalyzed regiodivergent chloropentafluorosulfanylation strategy for 1,3-enynes using SF5Cl has been developed. The regioselectivity is dictated by the structural and substitution patterns of 1,3-enynes, enabling facile access to three classes of SF5-containing products: propargylic chlorides, 1,3-dienes, and allenes. The reaction systems involve radical species, where the transfer of a chlorine atom from SF5Cl to a carbon radical is considered the predominant pathway. Diverse types of SF5- building blocks can be synthesized through simple functional group transformations.

Overcoming a Radical Polarity Mismatch in Strain-Release Pentafluorosulfanylation of [1.1.0]Bicyclobutanes: An Entryway to Sulfone- and Carbonyl-Containing SF5-Cyclobutanes

The first assortment of achiral pentafluorosulfanylated cyclobutanes (SF5-CBs) are now synthetically accessible through strain-release functionalization of [1.1.0]bicyclobutanes (BCBs) using SF5Cl. Methods for both chloropentafluorosulfanylation and hydropentafluorosulfanylation of sulfone-based BCBs are detailed herein, as well as proof-of-concept that the logic extends to tetrafluoro(aryl)sulfanylation, tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)sulfanylation, and three-component pentafluorosulfanylation reactions. The methods presented enable isolation of both syn and anti isomers of SF5-CBs, but we also demonstrate that this innate selectivity can be overridden in chloropentafluorosulfanylation; that is, an anti-stereoselective variant of SF5Cl addition across sulfone-based BCBs can be achieved by using inexpensive copper salt additives. Considering the SF5 group and CBs have been employed individually as nonclassical bioisosteres, structural aspects of these unique SF5-CB "hybrid isosteres" were then contextualized using SC-XRD. From a mechanistic standpoint, chloropentafluorosulfanylation ostensibly proceeds through a curious polarity mismatch addition of electrophilic SF5 radicals to the electrophilic sites of the BCBs. Upon examining carbonyl-containing BCBs, we also observed rare instances whereby radical addition to the 1-position of a BCB occurs. The nature of the key C(sp3)-SF5 bond formation step - among other mechanistic features of the methods we disclose - was investigated experimentally and with DFT calculations. Lastly, we demonstrate compatibility of SF5-CBs with various downstream functionalizations.

Hydroamination of Triisopropylsilyl Acetylene Sulfur Pentafluoride - a Bench-top Route to Pentafluorosulfanylated Enamines

Synthetic access to a variety of aliphatic and vinylic pentafluorosulfanylated building blocks remains a major challenge in contemporary organofluorine chemistry hampering its investigation in the context of medicinal chemistry, agrochemistry and functional materials. Herein, we report a bench-top protocol to access the virtually unknown class of α-SF5 -enamines under mild reaction conditions in good to excellent yields (up to 95 %). This reaction combines the protodesilylation of the commercially available precursor TASP with the in situ hydroamination of HC≡C-SF5 . The on-site use of highly toxic gases or corrosive reagents is avoided, making access to this motif applicable to a wide chemical audience. The excellent E-diastereoselectivity of this two-step cascade reaction is suggested to be the result of the convergence of the fast Z-/E- isomerization of a vinyl anion as well as the isomerization of the iminium ion. The remarkable thermal stability of these SF5 -enamines encourages further studies of their synthetic utility.

Dicationic Acridinium/Carbene Hybrids as Strongly Oxidizing Photocatalysts

A new design concept for organic, strongly oxidizing photocatalysts is described based upon dicationic acridinium/carbene hybrids. A highly modular synthesis of such hybrids is presented, and the dications are utilized as novel, tailor-made photoredox catalysts in the direct oxidative C-N coupling. Under optimized conditions, benzene and even electron-deficient arenes can be oxidized and coupled with a range of N-heterocycles in high to excellent yields with a single low-energy photon per catalytic turnover, while commonly used acridinium photocatalysts are not able to perform the challenging oxidation step. In contrast to traditional photocatalysts, the hybrid photocatalysts reported here feature a reversible two-electron redox system with regular or inverted redox potentials for the two-electron transfer. The different oxidation states could be isolated and structurally characterized supported by NMR, EPR, and X-ray analysis. Mechanistic experiments employing time-resolved emission and transient absorption spectroscopy unambiguously reveal the outstanding excited-state potential of our best-performing catalyst (+2.5 V vs SCE), and they provide evidence for mechanistic key steps and intermediates.

Tracking SF5 I in the Iodopentafluorosulfanylation of Alkynes

In the vibrant field of SF5 chemistry, SF5 X reagents (X=F, Cl, Br) are at the heart of current investigations in radical pentafluorosulfanylation reactions. SF5 I is the missing link whose existence has not been reported despite its potential as SF5 donor. This study reports the formal addition of the hitherto unknown SF5 I reagent to alkynes by means of a combination of SF5 Cl/KI/18-crown-6 ether. The exclusive regio- and stereoselective synthesis of unprecedented (E)-1-iodo-2-(pentafluoro-λ6 -sulfanyl) alkenes was achieved. A consensus was reached through computational and mechanistic studies for the realistic formation of SF5 - anion but not SF5 I in solution and the rational involvement of SF5 ⋅ and iodine radicals in the iodo pentafluorosulfanylation reaction.

Reductive Activation of Aryl Chlorides by Tuning the Radical Cation Properties of N-Phenylphenothiazines as Organophotoredox Catalysts

Aryl chlorides as substrates for arylations present a particular challenge for photoredox catalytic activation due to their strong C(sp2 )-Cl bond and their strong reduction potential. Electron-rich N-phenylphenothiazines, as organophotoredox catalysts, are capable of cleaving aryl chlorides simply by photoinduced electron transfer without the need for an additional electrochemical activation setup or any other advanced photocatalysis technique. Due to the extremely strong reduction potential in the excited state of the N-phenylphenothiazines the substrate scope is high and includes aryl chlorides both with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents. We evidence this reactivity for photocatalytic borylations and phosphonylations. Advanced time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy in combination with electrochemistry was the key to elucidating and comparing the unusual photophysical properties not only of the N-phenylphenothiazines, but also of their cation radicals as the central intermediates in the photocatalytic cycle. The revealed photophysics allowed the excited-state and radical-cation properties to be fine-tuned by the molecular design of the N-phenylphenothiazines; this improved the photocatalytic activity.

Electron-Poor Acridones and Acridiniums as Super Photooxidants in Molecular Photoelectrochemistry by Unusual Mechanisms

Electron-deficient acridones and in situ generated acridinium salts are reported as potent, closed-shell photooxidants that undergo surprising mechanisms. When bridging acyclic triarylamine catalysts with a carbonyl group (acridones), this completely diverts their behavior away from open-shell, radical cationic, 'beyond diffusion' photocatalysis to closed-shell, neutral, diffusion-controlled photocatalysis. Brønsted acid activation of acridones dramatically increases excited state oxidation power (by +0.8 V). Upon reduction of protonated acridones, they transform to electron-deficient acridinium salts as even more potent photooxidants (*E1/2 =+2.56-3.05 V vs SCE). These oxidize even electron-deficient arenes where conventional acridinium salt photooxidants have thusfar been limited to electron-rich arenes. Surprisingly, upon photoexcitation these electron-deficient acridinium salts appear to undergo two electron reductive quenching to form acridinide anions, spectroscopically-detected as their protonated forms. This new behaviour is partly enabled by a catalyst preassembly with the arene, and contrasts to conventional SET reductive quenching of acridinium salts. Critically, this study illustrates how redox active chromophoric molecules initially considered photocatalysts can transform during the reaction to catalytically active species with completely different redox and spectroscopic properties.

Photoredox catalysis harvesting multiple photon or electrochemical energies

Photoredox catalysis (PRC) is a cutting-edge frontier for single electron-transfer (SET) reactions, enabling the generation of reactive intermediates for both oxidative and reductive processes via photon activation of a catalyst. Although this represents a significant step towards chemoselective and, more generally, sustainable chemistry, its efficacy is limited by the energy of visible light photons. Nowadays, excellent alternative conditions are available to overcome these limitations, harvesting two different but correlated concepts: the use of multi-photon processes such as consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (conPET) and the combination of photo- and electrochemistry in synthetic photoelectrochemistry (PEC). Herein, we review the most recent contributions to these fields in both oxidative and reductive activations of organic functional groups. New opportunities for organic chemists are captured, such as selective reactions employing super-oxidants and super-reductants to engage unactivated chemical feedstocks, and scalability up to gram scales in continuous flow. This review provides comparisons between the two techniques (multi-photon photoredox catalysis and PEC) to help the reader to fully understand their similarities, differences and potential applications and to therefore choose which method is the most appropriate for a given reaction, scale and purpose of a project.

Shining Fresh Light on Complex Photoredox Mechanisms through Isolation of Intermediate Radical Anions

Photoredox catalysis (PRC) has gained enormous and wide-ranging interest in recent years but has also been subject to significant mechanistic uncertainty, even controversy. To provide a method by which the missing understanding can begin to be filled in, we demonstrate herein that it is possible to isolate as authentic materials the one-electron reduction products of representative PRC catalysts (PCs). Specifically, KC₈ reduction of both 9,10-dicyanoanthracene and a naphthalene monoamide derivative in the presence of a cryptand provides convenient access to the corresponding [K(crypt)⁺][PC^·-] salts as clean materials that can be fully characterized by techniques including EPR and XRD. Because PC^·- states are key intermediates in PRC reactions, such isolation allows for highly controlled study of these anions' specific reactivity and hence their mechanistic roles. As a demonstration of this principle, we show that these salts can be used to conveniently interrogate the mechanisms of recent, high-profile "conPET" and "e-PRC" reactions, which are currently the subject of both significant interest and acute controversy. Using very simple experiments, we are able to provide striking insights into these reactions' underlying mechanisms and to observe surprising levels of hidden complexity that would otherwise have been very challenging to identify and that emphasize the care and control that are needed when interrogating and interpreting PRC mechanisms. These studies provide a foundation for the study of a far broader range of questions around conPET, e-PRC, and other PRC reaction mechanisms in the future, using the same strategy of PC^·- isolation.

Sensitizer-controlled photochemical reactivity via upconversion of red light

By combining the energy input from two red photons, chemical reactions that would normally require blue or ultraviolet irradiation become accessible. Key advantages of this biphotonic excitation strategy are that red light usually penetrates deeper into complex reaction mixtures and causes less photo-damage than direct illumination in the blue or ultraviolet. Here, we demonstrate that the primary light-absorber of a dual photocatalytic system comprised of a transition metal-based photosensitizer and an organic co-catalyst can completely alter the reaction outcome. Photochemical reductions are achieved with a copper(i) complex in the presence of a sacrificial electron donor, whereas oxidative substrate activation occurs with an osmium(ii) photosensitizer. Based on time-resolved laser spectroscopy, this changeover in photochemical reactivity is due to different underlying biphotonic mechanisms. Following triplet energy transfer from the osmium(ii) photosensitizer to 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) and subsequent triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, the fluorescent singlet excited state of DCA triggers oxidative substrate activation, which initiates the cis to trans isomerization of an olefin, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition, an aryl ether to ester rearrangement, and a Newman-Kwart rearrangement. This oxidative substrate activation stands in contrast to the reactivity with a copper(i) photosensitizer, where photoinduced electron transfer generates the DCA radical anion, which upon further excitation triggers reductive dehalogenations and detosylations. Our study provides the proof-of-concept for controlling the outcome of a red-light driven biphotonic reaction by altering the photosensitizer, and this seems relevant in the greater context of tailoring photochemical reactivities.

Oxidative Fluorination of Selenium and Tellurium Compounds using a Thermally Stable Phosphonium SF5 - Salt Accessible from SF6

Fluorinated group 16 moieties are attractive building blocks in synthetic chemistry but only few synthetic methods are available to prepare them. Herein, we report a new oxidative fluorination reagent capable of stabilizing reactive fluorinated anions. It consists of an SF5 - anion and a chemically inert phosphonium cation and is exceptionally thermally stable. Accordingly, it was used to generate the SeF5 - and TeF5 - anions from the elemental chalcogens and to prepare the unknown tetrafluoro(phenyl)-λ5 -selenate PhSeF4 - and -tellurate PhTeF4 - from the corresponding diphenyl dichalcogenides. In addition, we show that further derivatization of [PhTeF4 ]- by oxidation to trans-PhTeF4 O- and subsequent alkylation gives access to a new class of trans-(alkoxy)(phenyl)tetrafluoro-λ6 -tellanes (trans-PhTeF4 OR), thus providing an approach to introduce the functional group into organic molecules.

Direct C-H Trifluoromethylation of (Hetero)Arenes in Water Enabled by Organic Photoredox-Active Amphiphilic Nanoparticles

Photoredox-catalyzed chemical conversions are predominantly operated in organic media to ensure good compatibility between substrates and catalysts. Yet, when conducted in aqueous media, they are an attractive, mild, and green way to introduce functional groups into organic molecules. We here show that trifluoromethyl groups can be readily installed into a broad range of organic compounds by using water as the reaction medium and light as the energy source. To bypass solubility obstacles, we developed robust water-soluble polymeric nanoparticles that accommodate reagents and photocatalysts within their hydrophobic interior under high local concentrations. By taking advantage of the high excited state reduction potential of N-phenylphenothiazine (PTH) through UV light illumination, the direct C-H trifluoromethylation of a wide array of small organic molecules is achieved selectively with high substrate conversion. Key to our approach is slowing down the production of CF3 radicals during the chemical process by reducing the catalyst loading as well as the light intensity, thereby improving effectiveness and selectivity of this aqueous photocatalytic method. Furthermore, the catalyst system shows excellent recyclability and can be fueled by sunlight. The method we propose here is versatile, widely applicable, energy efficient, and attractive for late-stage introduction of trifluoromethyl groups into biologically active molecules.

Effects of the Chalcogenide Identity in N-Aryl Phenochalcogenazine Photoredox Catalysts

Phenochalcogenazines such as phenoxazines and phenothiazines have been widely employed as photoredox catalysts (PCs) in small molecule and polymer synthesis. However, the effect of the chalcogenide in these catalysts has not been fully investigated. In this work, a series of four phenochalcogenazines is synthesized to understand how the chalcogenide impacts catalyst properties and performance. Increasing the size of the chalcogenide is found to distort the PC structure, ultimately impacting the properties of each PC. For example, larger chalcogenides destabilize the PC radical cation, possibly resulting in catalyst degradation. In addition, PCs with larger chalcogenides experience increased reorganization during electron transfer, leading to slower electron transfer. Ultimately, catalyst performance is evaluated in organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization and a photooxidation reaction for C(sp2)-N coupling. Results from these experiments highlight that a balance of PC properties is most beneficial for catalysis, including a long-lived excited state, a stable radical cation, and a low reorganization energy.

A three-component difunctionalization of N-alkenyl amides via organophotoredox radical-polar crossover

Herein, we report a three-component organophotoredox coupling of N-alkenyl amides with α-bromocarbonyls and various nucleophiles. This transition metal-free difunctionalization protocol installs sequential C-C and C-Y (Y = S/O/N) bonds in alkenes. This reaction works with terminal and internal alkenes containing both cyclic and acyclic amides via radical-polar crossover.

Gram-Scale Synthesis of the N-Phenyl Phenothiazine Photocatalyst by Benzyne Addition

N-phenyl phenothiazine is one of the most reducing photoredox catalysts. Its synthesis commonly requires transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Here we show the syntheses of four aryl phenothiazines via a benzyne route, including a multi-gram scale synthesis of N-phenyl phenothiazine. While yields are modest, the simplicity, low cost, and lack of requirement for cross-coupling catalysts in this synthesis will be attractive to users of this photocatalyst.

Oxidative Fluorination of Heteroatoms Enabled by Trichloroisocyanuric Acid and Potassium Fluoride

In synthetic method development, the most rewarding path is seldom a straight line. While our initial entry into pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5 ) chemistry did not go according to plan (due to inaccessibility of reagents such as SF5 Cl at the time), a "detour" led us to establish mild and inexpensive oxidative fluorination conditions that made aryl-SF5 compound synthesis more accessible. The method involved the use of potassium fluoride and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA)-a common swimming pool disinfectant-as opposed to previously employed reagents such as F2 , XeF2 , HF, and Cl2 . Thereafter, curiosity led us to explore applications of TCICA/KF as a more general approach to the synthesis of fluorinated Group 15, 16, and 17 heteroatoms in organic scaffolds; this, in turn, prompted SC-XRD, VT-NMR, computational, and physical organic studies. Ultimately, it was discovered that TCICA/KF can be used to synthesize SF5 Cl, enabling SF5 chemistry in an unexpected way.

Metal-Free SF6 Activation: A New SF5 -Based Reagent Enables Deoxyfluorination and Pentafluorosulfanylation Reactions

The activation of SF₆ , a potent greenhouse gas, under metal-free and visible light conditions is reported. Herein, mechanistic investigations including EPR spectroscopy, NMR studies and cyclic voltammetry allowed the rational design of a new fluorinating reagent which was synthesized from the 2-electron activation of SF₆ with commercially available TDAE. This new SF₅ -based reagent was efficiently employed for the deoxyfluorination of CO₂ and the fluorinative desulfurization of CS₂ allowing the formation of useful fluorinated amines. Moreover, for the first time we demonstrated that our SF₅ -based reagent could afford the mild generation of Cl-SF₅ gas. This finding was exploited for the chloro-pentafluorosulfanylation of alkynes and alkenes.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry of SF5 and SF4Cl Compounds

This short review covers the most important advances published in the literature during the last five years, concerning the synthesis, chemical modifications, and applications of SF5 and SF4Cl compounds in medicinal/bioorganic chemistry and materials science.

1 Introduction

2 Methods for Incorporation/Manipulation of SF4Cl/SF5 Groups

2.1 Nonaromatic SF5 Compounds via Direct Pentafluorosulfanylation of Alkenes and Alkynes

2.2 SF4Cl- and SF5-Aryl/Heteroaryl Derivatives

3 Synthesis of SF5/SF4Cl/SF4-Substituted Small Molecules

3.1 Heterocycles

3.2 Amines and Amino Acids

3.3 α-SF5 ketones

3.4 Miscellaneous Alkyl-, Alkenyl-, and Aryl-SF5 Compounds

4 Medicinal/Biological Applications

4.1 Anticancer Compounds

4.2 Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Compounds

4.3 Central Nervous System

4.4 Miscellaneous Biological Activity

5 Materials Science Applications

6 Conclusion

Repurposing of F-gases: challenges and opportunities in fluorine chemistry

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are routinely employed as refrigerants, blowing agents, and electrical insulators. These volatile compounds are potent greenhouse gases and consequently their release to the environment creates a significant contribution to global warming. This review article seeks to summarise: (i) the current applications of F-gases, (ii) the environmental issues caused by F-gases, (iii) current methods of destruction of F-gases and (iv) recent work in the field towards the chemical repurposing of F-gases. There is a great opportunity to tackle the environmental and sustainability issues created by F-gases by developing reactions that repurpose these molecules.

(Hetero)aryl-SVI Fluorides: Synthetic Development and Opportunities

(Hetero)arylsulfur compounds where the S atom is in the oxidation state VI represent a large percentage of the molecular functionalities present in organic chemistry. More specifically, (hetero)aryl-SVI fluorides have recently received enormous attention because of their potential as chemical biology probes, as a result of their reactivity in a simple, modular, and efficient manner. Whereas the synthesis and application of the level 1 fluorination at SVI atoms (sulfonyl and sulfonimidoyl fluorides) have been widely studied and reviewed, the synthetic strategies towards higher levels of fluorination (levels 2 to 5) are somewhat more limited. This Minireview evaluates and summarizes the progress in the synthesis of highly fluorinated aryl-SVI compounds at all levels, discussing synthetic strategies, reactivity, the advantages and disadvantages of the synthetic procedures, the proposed mechanisms, and the potential upcoming opportunities.

Two-photon-absorbing ruthenium complexes enable near infrared light-driven photocatalysis

One-photon-absorbing photosensitizers are commonly used in homogeneous photocatalysis which require the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) /visible light to populate the desired excited states with adequate energy and lifetime. Nevertheless, the limited penetration depth and competing absorption by organic substrates of UV/visible light calls upon exploring the utilization of longer-wavelength irradiation, such as near-infrared light (λ_irr > 700 nm). Despite being found applications in photodynamic therapy and bioimaging, two-photon absorption (TPA), the simultaneous absorption of two photons by one molecule, has been rarely explored in homogeneous photocatalysis. Herein, we report a group of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes possessing TPA capability that can drive a variety of organic transformations upon irradiation with 740 nm light. We demonstrate that these TPA ruthenium complexes can operate in an analogous manner as one-photon-absorbing photosensitizers for both energy-transfer and photoredox reactions, as well as function in concert with a transition metal co-catalyst for metallaphotoredox C-C coupling reactions.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Glycosyl Fluorides Using Sulfur(VI) Hexafluoride as the Fluorinating Agent

This manuscript describes the electrochemical synthesis of 17 different glycosyl fluorides in 73-98% yields on up to a 5 g scale that relies on the use of SF6 as an inexpensive and safe fluorinating agent. Cyclic voltammetry and related mechanistic studies carried out subsequently suggest that the active fluorinating species generated through the cathodic reduction of SF6 are transient under these reductive conditions and that the sulfur and fluoride byproducts are effectively scavenged by Zn(II) to generate benign salts.

Fluorination Reactions at a Platinum Carbene Complex: Reaction Routes to SF3 , S(=O)F and Fluorido Complexes

The electron-rich Pt complex [Pt(IMes)2 ] (IMes: [1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolinylidine]) can be used as precursor for the syntheses of a variety of fluorido ligand containing compounds. The sulfur fluoride SF4 undergoes a rapid oxidative addition at Pt0 to yield trans-[Pt(F)(SF3 )(IMes)2 ]. A photolytic reaction of SF6 at [Pt(IMes)2 ] in the presence of IMes gave the fluorido complexes trans-[Pt(F)2 (IMes)2 ] and trans-[Pt(F)(SF3 )(IMes)2 ] along with trans-[Pt(F)(SOF)(IMes)2 ] and trans-[Pt(F)(IMes')(IMes)] (IMes': cyclometalated IMes ligand), the latter being products produced by reaction with adventitious water. trans-[Pt(F)(SOF)(IMes)2 ] and trans-[Pt(F)2 (IMes)2 ] were synthesized independently by treatment of [Pt(IMes)2 ] with SOF2 or XeF2 . A reaction of [Pt(IMes)2 ] with a HF source gave trans-[Pt(H)(F)(IMes)2 ], and an intermediate bifluorido complex trans-[Pt(H)(FHF)(IMes)2 ] was identified. Compound trans-[Pt(H)(F)(IMes)2 ] converts in the presence of CsF into trans-[Pt(F)(IMes')(IMes)].

Photoinitiated anti-Hydropentafluorosulfanylation of Terminal Alkynes

A photoinitiated anti-hydropentafluorosulfanylation of terminal alkynes using SF₅ Cl and (TMS)₃ SiH as the hydrogen atom donor is reported. This transformation generates selectively (Z)-(1-alken-1-yl)pentafluoro-λ⁶ -sulfanes (Z:E : >85:15), thus allowing the preparation of this previously unknown geometrical isomer. DFT calculations highlight that the selectivity is due to the intrinsic preference of SF₅ -substituted vinylic radicals to adopt a cis geometry, and to increased steric contacts during the transition structures leading to the minor (E)-products.

Electro-mediated PhotoRedox Catalysis for Selective C(sp3 )-O Cleavages of Phosphinated Alcohols to Carbanions

We report a novel example of electro-mediated photoredox catalysis (e-PRC) in the reductive cleavage of C(sp3 )-O bonds of phosphinated alcohols to alkyl carbanions. As well as deoxygenations, olefinations are reported which are E-selective and can be made Z-selective in a tandem reduction/photosensitization process where both steps are photoelectrochemically promoted. Spectroscopy, computation, and catalyst structural variations reveal that our new naphthalene monoimide-type catalyst allows for an intimate dispersive precomplexation of its radical anion form with the phosphinate substrate, facilitating a reactivity-determining C(sp3 )-O cleavage. Surprisingly and in contrast to previously reported photoexcited radical anion chemistries, our conditions tolerate aryl chlorides/bromides and do not give rise to Birch-type reductions.

Complete deconstruction of SF6 by an aluminium(I) compound

The room-temperature activation of SF₆, a potent greenhouse gas, is reported using a monovalent aluminium(i) reagent to form well-defined aluminium(iii) fluoride and aluminium(iii) sulfide products. New reactions have been developed to utilise the aluminium(iii) fluoride and aluminium(iii) sulfide as a nucleophilic source of F⁻ and S²⁻ for a range of electrophiles. The overall reaction sequence results in the net transfer of fluorine or sulfur atoms from an environmentally detrimental gas to useful organic products.

The room-temperature activation of SF₆, a potent greenhouse gas, is reported using a monovalent aluminium(i) reagent to form well-defined aluminium(iii) fluoride and aluminium(iii) sulfide products.

Radical Addition of SF5Cl to Cyclopropenes: Synthesis of (Pentafluorosulfanyl)cyclopropanes

With the goal of accessing yet unknown SF₅-cyclopropyl building blocks, the radical addition of SF₅Cl to cyclopropenes was investigated. Addition of the SF₅ radical occurs regioselectively at the less substituted carbon of cyclopropenes and trans to the most hindered substituent at C3, while chlorine atom transfer proceeds with moderate to high levels of diastereocontrol. The carbon-chlorine bond in the resulting adducts can undergo subsequent radical reduction or be involved in a radical cyclization.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of 2-SF5-(Aza)Indoles, a New Family of SF5 Heterocycles

Structural diversity in heterocyclic chemistry is key to unlocking new properties and modes of action. In this regard, heterocycles embedding emerging fluorinated substituents hold great promise. Herein is described a strategy to access 2-SF₅-(aza)indoles for the first time. The sequence relies on the radical addition of SF₅Cl to the alkynyl π-system of 2-ethynyl anilines followed by a cyclization reaction. A telescoped sequence is proposed, making this strategy very appealing and reproducible on a gram scale. Downstream functionalizations are also demonstrated, allowing an easy diversification of N- and C3-positions. Ames test, pK _a, log P, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements of several fluorinated 2-Rf-indoles are also disclosed. These studies highlight the strategic advantages that a C2-pentafluorosulfanylated motif impart to a privileged scaffold such as an indole.

Chemoselective Hydro(Chloro)pentafluorosulfanylation of Diazo Compounds with Pentafluorosulfanyl Chloride

Pentafluorosulfanyl chloride (SF₅ Cl) is the most prevalent reagent for the incorporation of SF₅ group into organic compounds. However, the preparation of SF₅ Cl often relies on hazardous reagents and specialized apparatus. Herein, we described a safe and practical synthesis of a bench-stable and easy-to-handle solution of SF₅ Cl in n-hexane under gas-reagent-free conditions. The synthetic application of SF₅ Cl was demonstrated through the unprecedented reaction with diazo compounds. The chemoselective hydro- and chloropentafluorosulfanylations of α-diazo carbonyl compounds were developed in the presence of K₃ PO₄ or copper catalyst, respectively. These reactions provide a direct and efficient access to various α-pentafluorosulfanyl carbonyl compounds of high value for potential applications.

Photoredox Catalytic Pentafluorosulfanylative Domino Cyclization of α-Substituted Alkenes to Oxaheterocycles by Using SF6

Virtually inert sulfur hexafluoride becomes a precious pentafluorosulfanylation agent, if properly activated by photoredox catalysis, to access α-fluoro and α-alkoxy SF5 -compounds. This advanced protocol converts SF6 in the presence of alkynols as bifunctional C-C- and C-O-bond forming reagents directly into pentafluorosulfanylated oxygen-containing heterocycles in a single step from α-substituted alkenes. The proposed mechanism is supported by theoretical calculations and gives insights not only in the pentafluorosulfanylation step but also into formation of the carbon-carbon bond and is in full agreement with Baldwin's cyclization rules. The key step is a radical type 5-, 6- respectively 7-exo-dig-cyclization. The synthesized oxaheterocycles cannot be simply prepared by other synthetic methods, show a high level of structural complexity and significantly expand the scope of pentafluorosulfanylated building blocks valuable for medicinal and material chemistry.