Visible-light-induced trifluoromethylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes: Synthesis of CF3-substituted fused tricyclic indoles.

[Display omitted] • Visible-light-induced cascade trifluoromethylthiolation/cyclization. • An efficient protocol to synthesize trifluoromethylated tricyclic indoles. • The reaction proceeds without additional photocatalysts or additives. • Wide substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. A visible-light-induced radical trifluoromethylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes for the construction of trifluoromethylated tricyclic indoles with readily accessible trifluoromethyl thianthrenium triflate has been reported. A variety of CF 3 -containing tricyclic indole derivatives were synthesized at room temperature without the addition of photocatalysts or additives. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction probably undergo a radical pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]