A photochemically induced nickel-catalyzed radical cross-coupling
of phthalimido trifluoroethanol with aryl bromides to furnish α-aryl-α-trifluoromethyl
alcohols is reported. This reaction proceeds via a photoinduced charge
transfer of an electron donor–acceptor complex between Hantzsch
ester and phthalimido trifluoroethanol, followed by 1,2-hydrogen atom
transfer, to generate the α-hydroxytrifluoroethyl radical for
the cross-coupling of aryl bromides. No exogenous photocatalysts or
stoichiometric metal reductants are required in this mild and operationally
simple protocol. Broad substrate compatibility and excellent functional
group tolerance are observed.