Photoredox/Copper-Cocatalyzed Difluoromethylation of Benzylic Bromides with PPh 3 (CF 2 H) 2

Organic Letters 2026

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Authors: Huanhuan Song, Yulong Wang, Shanben Yin, Jingwen Li, Kaiteng Wang, Le Liu, Xin-Hua Duan, Mingyou Hu
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5c04233
Cited by: 1
References: 42

Abstract

We describe a general copper/photoredox-cocatalyzed difluoromethylation of benzyl bromides using PPh 3 (CF 2 H) 2 as a reagent. This protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope, good yields, and high functional group compatibility. The Cu(I) species first activates the benzylic C–Br bond to form a benzyl radical and then scavenges a CF 2 H radical to form a Cu(III) species. The facile reductive elimination from the Cu(III) center enables the coupling of the CF 2 H radical with the C(sp 3 ) fragment.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Fluorine in Organic Chemistry Radical Photochemical Reactions Catalytic C–H Functionalization Methods

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
28
Issue
2
Pages
612–616
Publication date
5 January 2026
Language
EN