Selective C-H trifluoromethylation of benzimidazoles through photoredox catalysis.

The protocol presented here is a new strategy for visible light induced C-H trifluoromethylation at C4 of benzimidazoles using Togni's reagent in the presence of fac-Ir(ppy)3. Its advantages are its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, low catalyst loading and wide substrate scope in which electron-withdrawing, electron-donating groups and different protecting groups are tolerated.