Gem-Difluoroallylation of Aryl Sulfonium Salts

Org Lett. 2022 Dec 9;24(48):8753-8758. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c03419. Epub 2022 Nov 28.

Abstract

The unprecedented photochemical late-stage defluorinative gem-difluoroallylation of aryl sulfonium salts, which are formed site-selectively by direct C(sp2)─H functionalization, is herein disclosed. This method is distinguished by its mild reaction conditions, wide scope, and excellent site-selectivity. As showcase examples, a Flurbiprofen and Pyriproxyfen derivatives could be late stage C(sp2)─H gem-difluoroallylated with high yields. Experimental and computational investigations were conducted.