We report a practical, light-mediated perfluoroalkylation
using
Langlois’ reagent (sodium trifluoromethylsulfinate) that proceeds
in the absence of any photocatalyst or additives. This method has
allowed for the facile functionalization of pyridones and relatedN-heteroarenes such as azaindole. This protocol is operationally
simple, uses readily available materials, and is tolerable for electron-neutral
and -rich functional pyridones. Cyclic voltammetry was utilized as
a mechanistic probe, and preliminary data suggest the reaction may
involve an electrophilic radical mechanism.