Visible light induced deaminative alkylation of difluoroenoxysilanes: a transition metal free strategy

Hantzsch ester, a widely used base or electron-donor compound, was found to act as a catalyst in the deaminative difluoroalkylation reaction utilizing Katritzky salts and difluoroenoxysilane as substrates; this represents a rare catalytic example of electron donor-acceptor (EDA) photochemistry. In addition, a substrate-induced pathway was also observed, especially for substrates derived from amino acids. This mild and convenient approach provides a highly valuable method for the convenient installation of a diverse range of alkyl-CF2COPh products.