Transition-metal free trifluoromethylimination of alkenes enabled by direct activation of N-unprotected ketimines

A highly site-selective intermolecular trifluoromethylimination of activated and unactivated olefins was reported under transition-metal- and photosensitizer-free conditions. This newly developed strategy provides straightforward and efficient access to diverse value-added vicinal trifluoromethyl amines without resorting to the pre-functionalized reagents. Mechanistic experiments demonstrate that the approach proceeded through CF3 and iminyl two-radicals process, which were generated directly from commercially available benzophenone imine in a novel electron-donor mode via a SET process activated by the bifunctional hypervalent iodine reagents. The synthetic potential of the protocols was further showcased via the condensation/amination sequential cascade, and transformations to access β-CF3 primary amines.