Difluorocarbene-based cyanodifluoromethylation of alkenes induced by a dual-functional Cu-catalyst

Abstract

Although cyanofluoroalkylation has received increasing attention, a toxic cyanation reagent is usually required. Herein, a Cu-catalyzed difluorocarbene-based cyanodifluoromethylation of alkenes with BrCF₂CO₂Et/NH₄HCO₃ under photocatalytic conditions is described. BrCF₂CO₂Et and NH₄HCO₃ serve as a carbon source and a nitrogen source of the nitrile group, respectively, avoiding the use of a stoichiometric toxic cyanation reagent. The Cu-complex plays a dual role. It is not only a photocatalyst, but also a coupling catalyst for the formation of a C–CN bond.