Catalyst-free and visible light promoted trifluoromethylation and perfluoroalkylation of uracils and cytosines

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Dec 4;54(97):13662-13665. doi: 10.1039/c8cc07759b.

Abstract

Fluoroalkylated enaminones, such as trifluridine and 5-trifluoromethyluracil, have widespread applications in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Although these kinds of pharmaceutical agent often bear CF3 and perfluoroalkyl motifs in the core structure, access to such analogues typically requires multi-step synthesis. Here, we report a mild, metal-free and operationally simple strategy for the direct perfluoroalkylation of uracils, cytosines and pyridinones through a visible-light induced pathway from perfluoroalkyl iodides. This photochemical transformation features synthetic simplicity, mild reaction conditions without any photoredox catalyst, and high functional group tolerance, providing a facile route for applications in medicinal chemistry.

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation / radiation effects
  • Cytosine / chemistry*
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemistry
  • Light*
  • Methylation / radiation effects
  • Molecular Structure
  • Uracil / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • Uracil
  • Cytosine