Cu-Catalyzed C-H Perfluoroalkylation/Cyclization of Unactivated Alkenes: Synthesis of Perfluoroalkylated Tricyclimidazoles

A copper-catalyzed cascade difunctionalization of unactivated olefins with readily available R-f-I reagents to construct Csp(3)-CF2/C-C bonds has been reported. This strategy provides a convenient access to a variety of useful perfluoroalkylated tricyclimidazole derivatives in reasonable yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the present reaction probably undergo a radical/SET (single electron transfer) pathway. The transformation features mild condition, simple operation, atomic economy, and broad substrate scope.