Three-Component Bisannulation for the Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Tetracyclic Aza-Aromatics through Six C(sp³)-F Bond Cleavage and Four C-N Bond Formation

An unprecedented and expeditious tandem bisannulation of polyfluoroalkylated tetralones with benzamidines to access various fluoroalkyl tetracyclic [1,3]-diazepines through multiple C-N bond formation and C(sp3)-F bond cleavage is reported. The process features high regio-/chemoselectivities, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, procedural simplicity, mild reaction conditions, and scale-up synthesis. Mechanistic studies showed that the distinctive fluorine effect of polyfluoroalkyl tetralone plays a vital role for the aza-tetracycle construction.