Trifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes with Me₃SiCF₃ and N‑Iodosuccinimide

A novel approach to the trifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes is presented. This reaction is promoted by N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) under visible light irradiation without the need for photocatalysts. The mild conditions allow the direct synthesis of useful trifluoromethylated (E)-alkenes from readily available alkene feedstocks with excellent functional group tolerability. In addition, using easy-to-handle and commercial Me₃SiCF₃ instead of gaseous CF₃I as the CF₃ source is highly attractive for industrial-scale applications.