Synthesis of CHF₂-Containing Heterocycles through Oxy-difluoromethylation Using Low-Cost 3D Printed PhotoFlow Reactors

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report here a highly straightforward access to a variety of CHF 2 -containing heterocycles, including lactones, tetrahydrofurans, tetrahydropyrans, benzolactones, phthalanes, and pyrrolidines, through a visible light-mediated intramolecular oxy-difluoromethylation under continuous flow. The method, which relies on the use of readily available starting materials, low-cost 3D printed photoflow reactors, and difluoromethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide used here as a CHF 2 radical precursor, is practical and scalable and provides the desired products in moderate to excellent yields and excellent regio- and stereoselectivities.