Electrochemically driven direct C–H difluoroethylation of (hetero)arenes under metal/catalyst-free conditions

Abstract

An efficient electrochemical method for the regioselective difluoroethylation of various (hetero)arenes was smoothly accomplished. Without metal catalysts and external oxidants involved, this method leads to the easy accessibility of valuable CF₂Me-substituted architectures. Notably, this electrochemical protocol successfully enabled the other valuable fluoroalkylation of heteroarenes. The controlled experiments indicated that a radical mechanism was involved in this transformation. The mild reaction conditions, excellent functional group compatibility, and good efficiency and selectivity render this method a promising strategy for late-stage modification of bioactive complex molecules.