Photoredox Catalytic α‐Alkoxypentafluorosulfanylation of α‐Methyl‐ and α‐Phenylstyrene Using SF(6)

SF(6) was applied as pentafluorosulfanylation reagent to prepare ethers with a vicinal SF(5) substituent through a one‐step method involving photoredox catalysis. This method shows a broad substrate scope with respect to applicable alcohols for the conversion of α‐methyl and α‐phenyl styrenes. The products bear a new structural motif with two functional groups installed in one step. The alkoxy group allows elimination and azidation as further transformations into valuable pentafluorosulfanylated compounds. These results confirm that non‐toxic SF(6) is a useful SF(5) transfer reagent if properly activated by photoredox catalysis, and toxic reagents are completely avoided. In combination with light as an energy source, a high level of sustainability is achieved. Through this method, the proposed potential of the SF(5) substituent in medicinal chemistry, agrochemistry, and materials chemistry may be exploited in the future.