Visible-light-induced decarboxylation/defluorosilylation protocol for synthesis of gem-difluoroalkenes

Abstract

A catalytic defluorosilylation is disclosed that provides concise, modular synthetic entries to gem-difluoroallylsilanes from trifluoromethylalkenes and silacarboxylic acids, which are easy-to-prepare and stable silyl radical precursors. It is enabled by photoredox catalysis and undergoes a unique decarboxylation followed by defluorosilylation without extra hydrogen atom transfer catalysis. This efficient strategy features mild reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope and is generally applicable to diverse electron-rich and electron-poor groups.