Rongalite-initiated addition of perfluoroalkyl iodides to olefins

Perfluoroalkyl iodides reacted with olefins in aqueous acetonitrile in the presence of Rongalite-sodium bicarbonate under mild conditions to give the corresponding 1:1 adducts in moderate to high yields. The formation of these products and the orientation of the addition seemed to show that radicals took part in the reaction. This provides a convenient method for perfluoroalkylation.