General Co-catalytic Hydrothiolation of gem-Difluoroalkenes

J Org Chem. 2022 Dec 16;87(24):16676-16690. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02343. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Abstract

Regioselective functionalization of gem-difluoroalkenes enables convergent late-stage access to fluorinated functional groups, though most functionalization reactions proceed through defluorinative functionalization processes that deliver mono-fluorovinyl products. In contrast, fewer reactions undergo net hydrofunctionalization to generate difluorinated products. Herein, we report a photocatalytic hydrothiolation of gem-difluoroalkenes that enables access to a broad spectrum of α,α-difluoroalkylthioethers. Notably, the reaction successfully couples nonactivated substrates, which expands the scope of accessible molecules relative to previously reported reactions involving organo- or photocatalytic strategies. Further, this reaction successfully couples biologically relevant molecules under aqueous conditions, highlighting potential applications in both late-stage and biorthogonal functionalizations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis*