Development of Electrophilic Radical Perfluoroalkylation of Electron-Deficient Olefins

Study of tamoxifen derived perfluoroalkylated olefins in breast cancer treatment

Estrogen-responsive breast cancer has been treated with tamoxifen since 1998, yet challenges such as limited selectivity and emerging resistance remain significant hurdles to improving therapeutic outcomes. In recent years, the incorporation of fluorine atoms in the structure of potential drugs has gained importance due to their unique properties. Perfluoroalkyl chains, known for their chemical inertness and ability to target estrogen, offer promising modifications to improve treatment efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the biological activity of 21 perfluoroalkylated tamoxifen derivatives, synthesized under mild conditions with high stereoselectivity. Seven of these compounds exhibited superior cytotoxic and selectivity activity against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells (MCF-7), with IC50 values of 10.68-18.18 nM compared to 29.41 nM for 4-hydroxytamoxifen, which is used in standard therapy. Preliminary mechanism-of-action studies, supported by siRNA knockdown of ESR1 (the estrogen receptor gene), revealed that the compounds act through a similar mechanism to tamoxifen, further confirming their potential as next-generation therapeutic agents for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Photoredox/Copper Dual-Catalyzed Three-Component Perfluoroalkyl Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkenes

A new three-component 1,2-perfluoroalkyl trifluoromethylthiolation of alkenes via dual photoredox/copper catalysis has been established, affording a variety of CnF2n+1/CF3S-containing molecules under mild conditions in a redox-neutral manner. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance, broad compatibility with various alkenes and perfluoroalkyl iodides, and potential utility in the modification of bioactive molecules.

Visible-Light-Induced Domino Perfluoroalkylation/Cyclization to Access Perfluoroalkylated Quinazolinones by an EDA Complex

The electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes have been extensively studied, which formed an electronically excited state, obviating the need for an exogenous photocatalyst. Herein, we report a mild and efficient strategy for photoinduced radical domino perfluoroalkylation/cyclization using N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine (TMEDA) as an electron donor. This protocol could be well expanded to access various polycyclic quinazolinones containing perfluoroalkyl groups, exhibiting photocatalyst-free, good functional group tolerance, and environmentally friendly features.

10-Phenylphenothiazine-Organophotocatalyzed Bromo-Perfluoroalkylation of Unactivated Olefins

In this study, we have developed a smooth metal-free visible-light-induced bromo-perfluoroalkylation of unactivated olefins with the aid of 10-phenylphenothiazine (PTH) as an organic photoredox catalyst. The reaction is 100% atom-economic redox-neutral and proceeds with stoichiometric amounts of olefin and perfluoroalkyl bromide. To show the potential of these unexplored motifs, we carried out various postfunctionalizations taking advantage of the bromine atom, including gram-scale experiments.

Photodriven Radical Perfluoroalkylation-Thiolation of Unactivated Alkenes Enabled by Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex

A clean and direct three-component radical 1,2-difunctionalization of various alkenes with perfluoroalkyl iodides and thiosulfonates enabled by the electron donor-acceptor complex has been developed under light illumination at room temperature. The approach offers a convenient and environmentally friendly route for the simultaneous incorporation of Csp3-Rf and Csp3-S bonds, affording valuable polyfunctionalized alkane derivatives containing fluorine and sulfur in satisfactory yields. Consequently, this methodology holds significant value and practicality in the field of organic synthesis.

Hydroxy- and Hydro-Perfluoroalkylation of Styrenes by Controlling the Quenching Cycle of Eosin Y

Fluoroalkyl compounds are widely used, underscoring a pressing need for the development of methods for their synthesis. However, reports on perfluoroalkylation to styrenes have been sparse. In this study, both hydroxy- and hydro-perfluoroalkylation of styrene were achieved using visible light reactions, catalyzed by eosin Y, by selecting appropriate additives and controlling the eosin Y quenching cycle. These reactions are heavy-metal free, use water as the hydroxyl or hydrogen source, and employ inexpensive and readily available reagents.