Electrocatalysis-Enabled Defluorinative Cross-Coupling of gem-Difluoroalkenes with Aldehydes and Ketones

Org Lett. 2024 Jan 12;26(1):160-165. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03788. Epub 2023 Dec 26.

Abstract

An electrochemical defluorinative cross-coupling of gem-difluoroalkenes with carbonyl compounds was described, by which highly stereoselective monofluoroalkene allyl alcohols were synthesized. The reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups and has successfully been applied to synthesize complex molecules. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction starts from electron reduction of gem-difluoroalkenes to generate radical negative ions, which undergo β-fluoride elimination and subsequent reduction to form anions. These anions are subsequently trapped by carbonyl compounds to furnish target products.