E-Selective Iodobis(trifluoromethyl)carbinolation of Arylalkynes Enabled by Red or Green Light Irradiation.

The bis(trifluoromethyl)carbinol motif is a privileged pharmacophore in medicinal chemistry; however, efficient and stereoselective access to its alkenyl derivatives remains a significant synthetic challenge. Herein, we disclose a photoinduced, catalyst-free iodobis(trifluoromethyl)carbinolation of arylalkynes using iodobis(trifluoromethyl)carbinol ester as a versatile radical precursor. Under mild red or green light irradiation, this protocol furnishes structurally diverse β-iodoalkenyl bis(trifluoromethyl)carbinols with excellent E selectivity. Its practical utility is further demonstrated by the late-stage functionalization of a series of bioactive molecules.