Visible-light-induced radical fluoroalkylation/cyclization for the synthesis of 2-fluoroalkyl-3-aminoindoles via an EDA complex.

Diverse 2-fluoroalkyl-3-aminoindoles were synthesized through an efficient radical fluoroalkylation/cyclization between fluoroalkyl bromides and aryl isocyanides induced by visible light via an EDA complex. This reaction avoids the use of noble transition metal catalysts and photocatalysts and exhibits environmental benignity. The reaction mechanism is also provided based on detailed experimental evidence.