Electrocatalysis-Enabled Defluorinative Cross-Coupling of <i>gem</i>-Difluoroalkenes with Aldehydes and Ketones

Abstract

An electrochemical defluorinative cross-coupling of gem -difluoroalkenes with carbonyl compounds was described, by which highly stereoselective monofluoroalkene allyl alcohols were synthesized. The reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups and has successfully been applied to synthesize complex molecules. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction starts from electron reduction of gem -difluoroalkenes to generate radical negative ions, which undergo β-fluoride elimination and subsequent reduction to form anions. These anions are subsequently trapped by carbonyl compounds to furnish target products.

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