Despite the many recent advances in exploiting stoichiometric charge-transfer complexes in visible light promoted single-electron redox reactions, catalytic approaches to charge-transfer complex formation remain limited. This report describes the radical perfluoroalkylation of electron-rich (hetero)arenes and iodoperfluoroalkylation of alkenes and alkynes promoted by a substituted hydroquinone catalyst. Mechanistic and computational studies indicate that the reaction is initiated by the

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... n of a visible light absorbing halogen bonding complex between the hydroquinone catalyst and the perfluoroalkyl iodide radical precursor.