Visible-Light Mediated ortho-Trifluoromethylation of Aniline Derivatives

A general visible-light mediated ortho-C–H trifluoromethylation of aniline derivatives by using a low-cost and stable Langlois reagent (CF3SO2Na) as the "CF3" source has been developed. In contrast to previous reports, this strategy allowed access to elusive trifluoromethyl lactams. Furthermore, mechanism experiments revealed that a copper/photoredox dual catalytic mechanism enabled general trifluoromethylation of aniline derivatives.