Photoredox-Catalyzed N-Directed Regioselective Difluoroalkylation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds

Org Lett. 2023 Jun 23;25(24):4456-4461. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01361. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Abstract

We report a redox-neutral, visible-light-mediated difluoroalkylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds in amides via nitrogen-centered radicals triggered intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer. Notably, all types (tertiary, secondary, and primary) of γ-C(sp3)-H bonds displayed excellent reactivity. This methodology presents a facile route for the regioselective introduction of α,α-difluoroketone fragments into organic molecules. Moreover, the resulting gem-difluoroketones can be readily converted to structurally diverse difluoro-containing molecules, offering broad potential applications in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Amides* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Hydrogen* / chemistry
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Amides
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen