Visible-Light-Driven Reductive Carboarylation of Styrenes with CO2 and Aryl Halides

Photoredox-Catalyzed Phosphonocarboxylation of Allenes with Phosphine Oxides and CO2

Phosphonocarboxylation of allenes with diarylphosphine oxides and CO2 via visible-light photoredox catalysis was developed for the first time. This work provided practical and sustainable access to highly valuable but otherwise difficult-to-access linear allylic β-phosphonyl carboxylic acids in moderate yields with exclusive regio- and stereoselectivity. This method was also characterized by step and atom economy and transition-metal free and mild conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that allyl-methyl carbanion species are the key intermediates.

Bidirectional Elongation Strategy Using Ambiphilic Radical Linchpin for Modular Access to 1,4-Dicarbonyls via Sequential Photocatalysis

Organic molecules that can be connected to multiple substrates by sequential C-C bond formations can be utilized as linchpins in multicomponent processes. While they are useful for rapidly increasing molecular complexity, most of the reported linchpin coupling methods rely on the use of organometallic species as strong carbon nucleophiles to form C-C bonds, which narrows the functional group compatibility. Here, we describe a metal-free, radical-mediated coupling approach using a formyl-stabilized phosphonium ylide as a multifunctional linchpin under visible-light photoredox conditions. The present method uses the ambiphilic character of the phosphonium ylide, which serves as both a nucleophilic and an electrophilic carbon-centered radical source. The stepwise and controllable generation of these radical intermediates allows sequential photocatalysis involving two mechanistically distinct radical additions, both of which are initiated by the same photocatalyst in one pot with high functional group tolerance. The methodology enables a bidirectional assembly of the linchpin with two electronically differentiated alkene fragments and thus offers rapid and modular access to 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds as versatile synthetic intermediates.

Recent Advances in C-H Functionalisation through Indirect Hydrogen Atom Transfer

The functionalisation of C-H bonds has been an enormous achievement in synthetic methodology, enabling new retrosynthetic disconnections and affording simple synthetic equivalents for synthons. Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is a key method for forming alkyl radicals from C-H substrates. Classic reactions, including the Barton nitrite ester reaction and Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction, among others, provided early examples of HAT. However, recent developments in photoredox catalysis and electrochemistry have made HAT a powerful synthetic tool capable of introducing a wide range of functional groups into C-H bonds. Moreover, greater mechanistic insights into HAT have stimulated the development of increasingly site-selective protocols. Site-selectivity can be achieved through the tuning of electron density at certain C-H bonds using additives, a judicious choice of HAT reagent, and a solvent system. Herein, we describe the latest methods for functionalizing C-H/Si-H/Ge-H bonds using indirect HAT between 2018-2023, as well as a critical discussion of new HAT reagents, mechanistic aspects, substrate scopes, and background contexts of the protocols.

Carbon Dioxide Radical Anion by Photoinduced Equilibration between Formate Salts and [11C, 13C, 14C]CO2: Application to Carbon Isotope Radiolabeling

The need for carbon-labeled radiotracers is increasingly higher in drug discovery and development (carbon-14, β^-, t_1/2 = 5730 years) as well as in positron emission tomography (PET) for in vivo molecular imaging applications (carbon-11, β⁺, t_1/2 = 20.4 min). However, the structural diversity of radiotracers is still systematically driven by the narrow available labeled sources and methodologies. In this context, the emergence of carbon dioxide radical anion chemistry might set forth potential unexplored opportunities. Based on a dynamic isotopic equilibration between formate salts and [¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹¹C]CO₂, C-labeled radical anion CO₂^•- could be accessed under extremely mild conditions within seconds. This methodology was successfully applied to hydrocarboxylation and dicarboxylation reactions in late-stage carbon isotope labeling of pharmaceutically relevant compounds. The relevance of the method in applied radiochemistry was showcased by the whole-body PET biodistribution profile of [¹¹C]oxaprozin in mice.

Translating Planar Heterocycles into Three-Dimensional Analogs by Photoinduced Hydrocarboxylation

The rapid preparation of complex three-dimensional (3D) heterocyclic scaffolds is a key challenge in modern medicinal chemistry. Despite the increased probability of clinical success for small molecule therapeutic candidates with increased 3D complexity, new drug targets remain dominated by flat molecules due to the abundance of coupling reactions available for their construction. In principle, heteroarene hydrofunctionalization reactions offer an opportunity to transform readily accessible planar molecules into more three-dimensionally complex analogs through the introduction of a single molecular vector. Unfortunately, dearomative hydrofunctionalization reactions remain limited. Herein, we report a new strategy to enable the dearomative hydrocarboxylation of indoles and related heterocycles. This reaction represents a rare example of a heteroarene hydrofunctionalization that meets the numerous requirements for broad implementation in drug discovery. The transformation is highly chemoselective, broad in scope, operationally simple, and readily amenable to high-throughput experimentation (HTE). Accordingly, this process will allow existing libraries of heteroaromatic compounds to be translated into diverse 3D analogs and enable exploration of new classes of medicinally relevant molecules.

Visible-Light-Induced Synthesis of Branched Ethers via Multicomponent Reactions

The Spin-Center Shift (SCS) elimination is a specific way for the generation of radicals with relevance in synthetic and biochemical pathways. The combination of SCS-mediated radical chemistry and atom-transfer radical addition (ATRA) offers new directions in diversity-oriented chemical synthesis. Herein, we report a photoredox three-component reaction of α-acyloxy-N-heterocycles as radical precursors, styrene derivatives as radical trapping agents, and alcohols as nucleophilic quenchers. The novel radical-polar crossover reaction provides access to a diverse set of branched ethers possessing high structural complexity. The utility of the transformation was also demonstrated by the synthesis of a complex drug derivative and it was easily scalable to the multigram level. The scope and limitations were also explored and a plausible mechanism was proposed.

Arylcarboxylation of unactivated alkenes with CO2 via visible-light photoredox catalysis

Photocatalytic carboxylation of alkenes with CO₂ is a promising and sustainable strategy to synthesize high value-added carboxylic acids. However, it is challenging and rarely investigated for unactivated alkenes due to their low reactivities. Herein, we report a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed arylcarboxylation of unactivated alkenes with CO₂, delivering a variety of tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylacetic acids, indan-1-ylacetic acids, indolin-3-ylacetic acids, chroman-4-ylacetic acids and thiochroman-4-ylacetic acids in moderate-to-good yields. This reaction features high chemo- and regio-selectivities, mild reaction conditions (1 atm, room temperature), broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, easy scalability and facile derivatization of products. Mechanistic studies indicate that in situ generation of carbon dioxide radical anion and following radical addition to unactivated alkenes might be involved in the process.

Radical Hydrocarboxylation of Unactivated Alkenes via Photocatalytic Formate Activation

Herein we disclose a strategy to promote the hydrocarboxylation of unactivated alkenes using photochemical activation of formate salts. We illustrate that an alternative initiation mechanism circumvents the limitations of prior approaches and enables hydrocarboxylation of this challenging substrate class. Specifically, we found that accessing the requisite thiyl radical initiator without an exogenous chromophore eliminates major byproducts that have plagued attempts to exploit similar reactivity for unactivated alkene substrates. This redox-neutral method is technically simple to execute and effective across a broad range of alkene substrates. Feedstock alkenes, such as ethylene, are hydrocarboxylated at ambient temperature and pressure. A series of radical cyclization experiments indicate how the reactivity described in this report can be diverted by more complex radical processes.

Practical and General Alcohol Deoxygenation Protocol

Herein, we describe a practical protocol for the removal of alcohol functional groups through reductive cleavage of their benzoate ester analogs. This transformation requires a strong single electron transfer (SET) reductant and a means to accelerate slow fragmentation following substrate reduction. To accomplish this, we developed a photocatalytic system that generates a potent reductant from formate salts alongside Brønsted or Lewis acids that promote fragmentation of the reduced intermediate. This deoxygenation procedure is effective across structurally and electronically diverse alcohols and enables a variety of difficult net transformations. This protocol requires no precautions to exclude air or moisture and remains efficient on multigram scale. Finally, the system can be adapted to a one-pot benzoylation-deoxygenation sequence to enable direct alcohol deletion. Mechanistic studies validate that the role of acidic additives is to promote the key C(sp3 )-O bond fragmentation step.

Photocatalytic Carboxylation of C-N Bonds in Cyclic Amines with CO2 by Consecutive Visible-Light-Induced Electron Transfer

Visible-light photocatalytic carboxylation with CO₂ is highly important. However, it still remains challenging for reluctant substrates with low reduction potentials. Herein, we report a novel photocatalytic carboxylation of C-N bonds in cyclic amines with CO₂ via consecutive photo-induced electron transfer (ConPET). It is also the first photocatalytic reductive ring-opening reaction of azetidines, pyrrolidines and piperidines. This strategy is practical to transform a variety of easily available cyclic amines to valuable β-, γ-, δ- and ϵ-amino acids in moderate-to-excellent yields. Moreover, the method also features mild and transition-metal-free conditions, high selectivity, good functional-group tolerance, facile scalability and product derivations. Mechanistic studies indicate that the ConPET might be the key to generating highly reactive photocatalysts, which enable the reductive activation of cyclic amines to generate carbon radicals and carbanions as the key intermediates.

Visible-Light-Promoted Catalyst-Free Oxyarylation and Hydroarylation of Alkenes with Carbon Dioxide Radical Anion

Visible-light-mediated oxyarylation and hydroarylation of alkenes with aryl halides using formate salts as the reductant and hydrogen source under ambient conditions were developed. These protocols represent rare catalyst-free examples of the realization of such transformations. Using styrenes as substrates, oxyarylation could occur smoothly. Whereas, hydroarylation proceeds employing electron deficient alkenes. Moreover, dehalogenation proceeds successfully in the absence of alkenes. We expected that this method could provide a valuable strategy for the functionalization of aryl halides.

Visible Light-Driven Metal-Organic Framework-Mediated Activation and Utilization of CO2 for the Thiocarboxylation of Olefins

Visible light-mediated photoredox catalysis has emerged to be a fascinating approach for the activation of CO₂ and its subsequent fixation into valuable chemicals utilizing renewable and inexhaustible solar energy. Although great progress has been made in CO₂ photoreduction, visible light-assisted organic synthesis using CO₂ as a reactive substrate is rarely explored. Herein, we report an efficient, facile, and economically viable photoredox-mediated approach for the synthesis of important β-thioacids via carboxylation of olefins with CO₂ and thiols over a porous functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), Fe-MIL-101-NH₂, as a photocatalyst under ambient conditions. This multicomponent reaction offers wide substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, easy work-up, cost-effective and reusable photocatalysts, and higher product selectivity. Computational studies suggested that CO₂ interacts with the thiophenol-styrene adduct to facilitate the synthesis of β-thioacids in almost quantitative yields.

Site-selective deuteration at the α-position of enals by an amine and bis(phenylsulfonyl)methane co-catalyzed H/D exchange reaction

An amine and bis(phenylsulfonyl)methane co-catalyzed hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDE) method via a Michael-retro-Michael pathway for site-selective introduction of deuterium at the α-position of enals using D₂O as a deuterium source has been achieved. The mild, operationally simple protocol allows for high yielding and high level deuterium incorporation (up to 99%) for structurally diverse aromatic-derived enals and dienals.

Visible-Light-Driven Reductive Carboxylation of Benzyl Bromides with Carbon Dioxide Using Formate as Terminal Reductant

Cheap and available formate can be seen formally as a carbon dioxide radical anion (CO₂^•-) combined with a hydrogen atom, where the CO₂^•- is not only a highly active radical but also a very powerful reductant. In this paper, we successfully realized a visible-light-driven carboxylation of benzyl bromides with carbon dioxide to prepare high-value arylacetic acids using potassium formate as a terminal reductant. This reaction is characterized by mild reaction conditions and a wide range of substrates. Moreover, under nitrogen atmosphere, the reaction can also achieve the carboxylation of benzyl bromides utilizing an excess of potassium formate. Mechanistic experiments indicate this carboxylation proceeded through CO₂^•-, which was generated from the oxidation of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane with excited photosensitizer Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)PF₆ in the presence of the potassium formate.

Self-Assembly Bifunctional Tetranuclear Ln2Ni2 Clusters: Magnetic Behaviors and Highly Efficient Conversion of CO2 under Mild Conditions

A series of heterometallic tetranuclear clusters, Ln₂Ni₂(NO₃)₄L₄(μ₃-OCH₃)₂·2(CH₃CN) (Ln = Gd(1), Tb(2), Dy(3), Ho(4), Er(5); HL = methyl 3-methoxysalicylate), were synthesized solvothermally. The intramolecular synergistic effect of two metal centers of Ln(III) and Ni(II) and the exposed multimetallic sites serving as Lewis acid activators greatly increase the efficiency of the CO₂ conversion, and the yield for cluster 3 can be achieved at 96% at atmospheric pressure and low temperature. In particular, the self-assembly multimetal center with polydentate ligand shows good generality and enhanced recyclability. The design of such 3d-4f heterometallic clusters provides an effective strategy for the conversion of CO₂ under greener conditions. Meanwhile, magnetic investigations indicate that cluster 1 is a good candidate for magnetic refrigerant materials with a relatively large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) (-ΔS_m = 28.5 J kg^-1 K^-1 at 3.0 K and 7.0 T), and cluster 3 shows single-molecular magnet behavior under zero dc field. Heterometallic clusters with special magnetic properties and good catalytic behavior for the conversion of CO₂ are rare. Thus, they are potential bifunctional materials applied in practice.

Base-Promoted 5-exo-dig Cyclization of o-Alkynylamides or 2-En-4-ynamides with CO2 toward Fully Substituted Acrylates

A base-promoted sequential cyclization and carboxylation of o-alkynylamides or 2-en-4-ynamides with CO₂ has been achieved with high efficiency, stereoselectivity, and regioselectivity. This approach begins with 5-exo-dig cyclization followed by trapping the resulting vinyl anion with CO₂ and MeI, which provides a convenient access to diverse cyclic and fully substituted acrylates with CO₂ as the carboxylic source.

A general electron donor-acceptor complex for photoactivation of arenes via thianthrenation

General photoactivation of electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes between arylsulfonium salts and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane with visible light or natural sunlight was discovered. This practical and efficient mode enables the production of aryl radicals under mild conditions, providing an unrealized opportunity for two-step para-selective C-H functionalization of complex arenes. The novel mode for generating aryl radicals via an EDA complex was well supported by UV-vis absorbance measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance titration experiments, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The method was applied to the regio- and stereo-selective arylation of various N-heterocycles under mild conditions, yielding an assembly of challengingly linked heteroaryl-(hetero)aryl products. Remarkably, the meaningful couplings of bioactive molecules with structurally complex drugs or agricultural pharmaceuticals were achieved to display favorable in vitro antitumor activities, which will be of great value in academia or industry.

Identification of a Self-Photosensitizing Hydrogen Atom Transfer Organocatalyst System

We developed organocatalyst systems to promote the cleavage of stable C-H bonds, such as formyl, α-hydroxy, and benzylic C-H bonds, through a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process without the use of exogenous photosensitizers. An electronically tuned thiophosphoric acid, 7,7'-OMe-TPA, was assembled with substrate or co-catalyst N-heteroaromatics through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions to form electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes. Photoirradiation of the EDA complex induced stepwise, sequential single-electron transfer (SET) processes to generate a HAT-active thiyl radical. The first SET was from the electron-rich naphthyl group of 7,7'-OMe-TPA to the protonated N-heteroaromatics and the second proton-coupled SET (PCET) from the thiophosphoric acid moiety of 7,7'-OMe-TPA to the resulting naphthyl radical cation. Spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations characterized the stepwise SET process mediated by short-lived intermediates. This organocatalytic HAT system was applied to four different carbon-hydrogen (C-H) functionalization reactions, hydroxyalkylation and alkylation of N-heteroaromatics, acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols, and benzylation of imines, with high functional group tolerance.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

Current Advances in Meerwein-type Radical Alkene Functionalizations

Alkene functionalizations via Meerwein arylations are becoming increasingly attractive, especially since a variety of mild and sustainable methods for aryl radical generation are available today. This entails a broad spectrum of substrates and radical scavengers, as well as convenient synthetic routes to relevant precursors for further transformations. The present review focuses on recent advances in Meerwein-type alkene functionalizations and gives insights into the key mechanistic details of the respective reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Hydroarylation and Carboarylation

3 Carboamination, Carbooxygenation, and Carbothiolation

4 Carbohalogenation

5 Conclusion and Outlook

Electrochemical Dearomative Dicarboxylation of Heterocycles with Highly Negative Reduction Potentials

The dearomative dicarboxylation of stable heteroaromatics using CO₂ is highly challenging but represents a very powerful method for producing synthetically useful dicarboxylic acids, which can potentially be employed as intermediates of biologically active molecules such as natural products and drug leads. However, these types of transformations are still underdeveloped, and concise methodologies with high efficiency (e.g., high yield and high selectivity for dicarboxylations) have not been reported. We herein describe a new electrochemical protocol using the CO₂ radical anion (E_1/2 of CO₂ = -2.2 V in DMF and -2.3 V in CH₃CN vs SCE) that produces unprecedented trans-oriented 2,3-dicarboxylic acids from N-Ac-, Boc-, and Ph-protected indoles that exhibit highly negative reduction potentials (-2.50 to -2.94 V). On the basis of the calculated reduction potentials, N-protected indoles with reduction potentials up to -3 V smoothly undergo the desired dicarboxylation. Other heteroaromatics, including benzofuran, benzothiophene, electron-deficient furans, thiophenes, 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, and N-Boc-pyrazole, also exhibit reduction potentials more positive than -3 V and served as effective substrates for such dicarboxylations. The dicarboxylated products thus obtained can be derivatized into useful synthetic intermediates for biologically active compounds in few steps. We also show how the dearomative monocarboxylation can be achieved selectively by choice of the electrolyte, solvent, and protic additive; this strategy was then applied to the synthesis of an octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic) derivative, which is a useful proline analogue.

Photocatalytic defluoroalkylation and hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethyls using o-phosphinophenolate

Under visible light irradiation, o-phosphinophenolate functions as an easily accessible photoredox catalyst to activate trifluoromethyl groups in trifluoroacetamides, trifluoroacetates, and trifluoromethyl (hetero)arenes to deliver corresponding difluoromethyl radicals. It works in relay with a thiol hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst to enable selective defluoroalkylation and hydrodefluorination. The reaction allows for the facile synthesis of a broad scope of difluoromethylene-incorporated carbonyl and (hetero)aromatic compounds, which are valuable fluorinated intermediates of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. The ortho-diphenylphosphino substituent, which is believed to facilitate photoinduced electron transfer, plays an essential role in the redox reactivity of phenolate. In addition to trifluoromethyl groups, pentafluoroethyl groups could also be selectively defluoroalkylated.

Photoredox catalysis can strongly reduce and cleave unactivated chemical bonds via photoinduced electron transfer. Here the authors use o-phosphinophenolate for photocatalytic C–F activation of a wide range of trifluoromethyl groups in trifluoroacetamides, trifluoroacetates, and trifluoromethyl(hetero)arenes to deliver corresponding difluoromethyl radicals.

DABCO-promoted photocatalytic C-H functionalization of aldehydes

Herein we present a direct application of DABCO, an inexpensive and broadly accessible organic base, as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) abstractor in a photocatalytic strategy for aldehyde C–H activation. The acyl radicals generated in this step were arylated with aryl bromides through a well stablished nickel cross-coupling methodology, leading to a variety of interesting aryl ketones in good yields. We also performed computational calculations to shine light in the HAT step energetics and determined an optimized geometry for the transition state, showing that the hydrogen atom transfer between aldehydes and DABCO is a mildly endergonic, yet sufficiently fast step. The same calculations were performed with quinuclidine, for comparison of both catalysts and the differences are discussed.

Recent advancements in visible-light-driven carboxylation with carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide as a classic C1 source has long been investigated in organic synthetic chemistry. Diverse catalytic methods for CO2 activation were reported in the past several decades. In this...

Encapsulating electron-deficient dyes into Metal-Organic Capsules To Achieve High Reduction Potentials

The design of artificial supramolecular systems that mimic the structure and functionality of natural enzymes to achieve efficient chemical conversions is a promising subject. In this work, we assembled a...

Direct 1,2-Dicarbonylation of Alkenes towards 1,4-Diketones via Photocatalysis

1,4-Dicarbonyl compounds are intriguing motifs and versatile precursors in numerous pharmaceutical molecules and bioactive natural compounds. Direct incorporation of two carbonyl groups into a double bond at both ends is straightforward, but also challenging. Represented herein is the first example of 1,2-dicarbonylation of alkenes by photocatalysis. Key to success is that N(n-Bu)₄ ⁺ not only associates with the alkyl anion to avoid protonation, but also activates the α-keto acid to undergo electrophilic addition. The α-keto acid is employed both for acyl generation and electrophilic addition. By tuning the reductive and electrophilic ability of the acyl precursor, unsymmetric 1,4-dicarbonylation is achieved for the first time. This metal-free, redox-neutral and regioselective 1,2-dicarbonylation of alkenes is executed by a photocatalyst for versatile substrates under extremely mild conditions and shows great potential in biomolecular and drug molecular derivatization.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Three-Component Arylcarboxylation of Acrylate with Aryl Bromides and Carbon Dioxide

Cobalt-catalyzed regioselective three-component arylcarboxylation of acrylate with aryl bromides and carbon dioxide has been developed. The reaction is carried out by using cobalt chloride as a precatalyst and zinc powder as a reducing reagent under CO₂ (1 atm) at 40 °C. A range of aryl bromides are used for this reaction, leading to a series of valuable carboxylic acids with high regioselectivity and functional-group compatibility. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations indicate that this arylcarboxylation reaction involves the reaction of CO₂ with a cobalt enolate intermediate to form the C-C bond.

Stereodivergent synthesis of β-iodoenol carbamates with CO2 via photocatalysis

Photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added chemicals is of great significance from the viewpoint of green chemistry and sustainable development. Here, we report a stereodivergent synthesis of β-iodoenol carbamates through a photocatalytic three-component coupling of ethynylbenziodoxolones, CO2 and amines. By choosing appropriate photocatalysts, both Z- and E-isomers of β-iodoenol carbamates, which are difficult to prepare using existing methods, can be obtained stereoselectively. This transformation featured mild conditions, excellent functional group compatibility and broad substrate scope. The potential synthetic utility of this protocol was demonstrated by late-stage modification of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals as well as by elaborating the products to access a wide range of valuable compounds. More importantly, this strategy could provide a general and practical method for stereodivergent construction of trisubstituted alkenes such as triarylalkenes, which represents a fascinating challenge in the field of organic chemistry research. A series of mechanism investigations revealed that the transformation might proceed through a charge-transfer complex which might be formed through a halogen bond.