Photoredox relay-catalyzed gem-difluoroallylation of alkyl iodides

Herein, a new example of relay catalysis, using a combination of Mn-2(CO)(10) and an iridium-based photocatalyst, is reported. In our relay catalytic reaction, the Mn catalyst and iridium-based photocatalyst catalyze the reaction at different stages in the desired sequence under the same reaction conditions, and do not inhibit each other. This convenient method transforms a broad scope of alkyl iodides into the corresponding gem-difluoroalkenes via C(sp(3))-C(sp(3)) bond construction. The protocol has good functional group tolerance and is suitable for the late-stage modification of multifunctional complex molecules.

Automated summary

A new example of relay catalysis using a combination of Mn-2(CO)(10) and an iridium-based photocatalyst has been reported. The Mn catalyst and iridium-based photocatalyst catalyze the reaction at different stages in the desired sequence under the same reaction conditions, transforming alkyl iodides into gem-difluoroalkenes with good functional group tolerance. This convenient method is suitable for late-stage modification of multifunctional complex molecules.