Catalyst-free, direct electrochemical trifluoromethylation/cyclization of N-arylacrylamides using TfNHNHBoc as a CF3 source

A new electrochemical strategy for trifluoromethylation/cyclization using TfNHNHBoc as a CF3 source was established. This approach was realized by the direct electrolysis of TfNHNHBoc under external oxidant-free and catalyst-free conditions, and afforded various trifluoromethylated oxindoles with good functional group compatibility and broad substrate scope. Preliminary mechanistic studies show that the reaction proceeds by a radical process.