Photocatalytic C(sp³)‐H gem‐Difluoroallylation and Alkylation with Alkenes via a Base‐Assisted Formal 1,2‐Hydrogen Atom Transfer of Amidyl Radicals

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryCompared to well‐established 1,5‐HAT of N‐centered radicals, the synthetic applications of 1,2‐HAT process were scarce due to the high barrier and constrained three‐membered transition state. Here, we have developed a novel C(sp3)‐H gem‐difluoroallylation via a base assisted formal 1,2‐HAT of amidyl radicals with the reductive quenching cycle of photocatalyst. This transformation enables the efficient formation of α‐aminoalkyl radicals via 1,2‐HAT and showcases good functional group tolerance. Our preliminary mechanistic experiments, along with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate the feasibility of 1,2‐HAT of amidyl radicals, especially when assisted by a base. Furthermore, our method also succeeds in the Giese addition of electron‐deficient alkenes as well as styrene.