Organocatalytic Three-Component Acyldifluoromethylation of Vinylarenes via N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Radical Relay.

We herein describe an N-hetercyclic carbene-catalyzed three-component acyldifluoromethylation of vinylarenes, aldehydes, and NaSO2CF2H. This organocatalytic approach provides a practical route for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant α-aryl-β-difluormethyl ketones without the need for transition metals or photocatalysts. The late-stage acyldifluoromethylation of drug analogues was also demonstrated. The reaction design employs NaSO2CF2H as the source of the CF2H radical in the presence of an oxidant for the radical relay.