An operationally simple and transition-metal-free photocatalytic approach has been developed for divergent defluorofunctionalizations of gem-difluoroarylalkenes with nucleophiles to access valuable α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters, and amides, featuring broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, and practical synthesis.

Abstract

The construction of α-arylated carboxylic acids and its derivatives has predominantly relied on transition-metal-catalysis, leading to potential metal contamination. Herein, we report a transition-metal-free photocatalytic protocol for the defluorinative carboxylation, esterification, and amidation of gem-difluoroarylalkenes with diverse nucleophiles to access a variety of α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters, and amides. The strategy features operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, and excellent substrate compatibility, providing efficient access to pharmaceutically relevant architectures.