Visible-light promoted fluoroalkylselenolation: toward the reactivity of unsaturated compounds

The reactivity of fluoroalkylselenotoluenesulfonates with unsaturated substrates is explored herein. The direct activation of these shelf-stable reagents under visible light allows the double functionalisation of alkenes or alkynes efficiently, leading to a wide range of β-fluoroalkylselenolated sulfones. Mechanistic investigations have been undertaken supporting the formation of radical intermediates. α-Fluoroalkylselenolated sulfones have been readily obtained via a visible-light promoted radical addition of fluoroalkylselenyl and tosyl groups onto unsaturated substrates.