NMP and O₂ as Radical Initiator: Trifluoromethylation of Alkenes to Tertiary β‑Trifluoromethyl Alcohols at Room Temperature

A novel strategy was developed to trigger ·CF₃ by using <i>in situ</i> generated peroxide in NMP under O₂ or air as the radical initiator. Radical trifluoromethylation of alkenes was achieved toward tertiary β-trifluoromethyl alcohols. Various tertiary β-trifluoromethyl alcohols can be synthesized in good yields without extra oxidants or transition metal catalysts. Preliminary mechanistic investigation revealed that O₂ diffusion can influence the reaction rate