Photoinduced Trifluoromethylselenolation of Aryl Halides with [Me4N][SeCF3]

A visible-light-induced metal-free trifluoromethylselenolation of aryl iodides and bromides with [Me4N]­[SeCF3] is described. The reaction was conducted at ambient temperature by successfully harnessing the light-sensitive SeCF3 reagent. Mechanistically, the EDA complexes between aryl halide and the −SeCF3 anion or the base might be formed and excited by light, which subsequently undergo intracomplex SET processes to generate aryl and •SeCF3 radicals as key intermediates, allowing a convenient and green access to various aryl trifluoromethyl selenoethers.