Strain-Release-Driven Synthesis of Pentafluorosulfanylated Four-Membered Rings under Energy Transfer Photocatalysis

Methods to prepare SF5-containing molecules are of significant interest, as the pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5) group imparts unique chemical and physical properties—such as high electronegativity, lipophilicity, and thermal stability—that are valuable in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. The use of our shelf-stable reagent, imine-SF5, enables selective access to four-membered ring SF5-containing molecules under mild reaction conditions via a strain-release approach facilitated by energy-transfer catalysis. Mechanistic investigations provided insight into the reaction pathway. This approach advances pentafluorosulfanylation methodology, paving the way for future development.