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

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.

Automated summary

The study presents a Cu-catalyzed reaction that does not require toxic cyanation reagents, using BrCF2CO2Et and NH4HCO3 under photocatalytic conditions to achieve the cyanodifluoromethylation of alkenes. The Cu-complex serves as both a photocatalyst and a coupling catalyst for the formation of a C-CN bond.