PhSO2CF2I-Enabled Sequential Radical Formation for One-Pot CF2-Linked Molecular Construction.

A one-pot strategy for the construction of CF2-linked molecules using iododifluoromethyl phenyl sulfone (PhSO2CF2I) as a difluoromethylene diradical synthon is described. With the advantage of the distinct reactivity of the C-I and C-S bonds in PhSO2CF2I, two chemically differentiated CF2-centered radicals are generated sequentially under visible light irradiation. The stepwise generation and trapping of two distinct CF2-centered radicals enables arenes and alkenes to be sequentially installed in one pot, offering a streamlined route to a wide array of CF2-linked molecules. The method proceeds under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility and is applicable to the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules.