Domino-Fluorination-Protodefluorination Enables Decarboxylative Cross-Coupling of α-Oxocarboxylic Acids with Styrene via Photoredox Catalysis

Domino-fluorinationprotodefluorination decarboxylative cross-coupling of alpha-keto acids with styrene has been developed via photoredox catalysis. The critical part of this strategy is the formation of the carbonfluorine (C-F) bond by the capture of a carbon-centered radical intermediate, which will overcome side reactions during the styrene radical functionalization process. Experimental studies have provided evidence indicating a domino-fluorination-protodefluorination pathway with alpha-keto acid initiating the photoredox cycle. The present catalytic protocol also affords a novel approach for the construction of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones under mild conditions.