Perfluoroalkylative pyridylation of alkenes via 4-cyanopyridine-boryl radicals

A metal-free and photo-free method for the perfluoroalkylative pyridylation of alkenes has been developed a combination of computational and experimental studies. Density functional theory calculations and control experiments indicate that the homolysis of R -X (X = Br, I) bonds by the 4-cyanopyridine-boryl radicals generated from 4-cyanopyridine and B pin is the key step. Sequential addition of R radicals to alkenes and the selective cross-coupling of the resulting alkyl radicals and 4-cyanopyridine-boryl radicals gives alkene difunctionalization products with a quaternary carbon center. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility.