Photoredox initiated azole-nucleophilic addition: oxo-azolation of gem-difluoroalkenes

A mild and general protocol for photoredox initiated oxo-azolation of gem-difluoroalkenes has been demonstrated. The reaction strategy offers a facile access to a series of synthetically useful azolated difluoroacetonarenes that may have significant applications in drug and functional materials development. The reaction also tolerates a wide range of functional groups for further manipulation. In addition, a preliminary mechanistic study indicated a photoredox initiated, active oxygen participated single electron transfer pathway for the reaction. Finally, the reaction solvent could be easily recovered and reused with the same reaction efficiency.