Defluorinative Thiolation of gem-Difluoroalkenes by Convergent Paired Electrolysis

Org Lett. 2023 Aug 25;25(33):6143-6148. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c02235. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

Herein, we have successfully developed a convergent paired electrolysis strategy for the defluorinative thiolation process utilizing thiols and gem-difluoroalkenes as precursors. This protocol exhibits remarkable tolerance toward a wide range of functional groups, as exemplified by the successful late-stage defluorothiolation of complex molecules. Additionally, this strategy is amenable to gram-scale synthesis, making use of both anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction processes in an efficient manner. Several control studies were conducted and suggested a convergent paired electrolysis mechanism.