Photocatalytic Alkene Hydrofunctionalization with Benzoic Esters of Fluorinated Alcohols Mediated by Tin(II) Chloride

A method for the hydrofluoroalkylation of alkenes with the benzoic ester of 3,3,3-trifluorolactate and bis(trifluoromethyl)-substituted alcohols is described. The reaction is performed with <i>N</i>-phenylphenothiazine photocatalyst and has high tolerance toward functional groups. A key feature of the method is the use of tin(II) chloride/toluenesulfonic acid as a stoichiometric reducing agent.