Synthesis of gem‐difluoroalkenes via photoredox‐catalyzed defluoroaryloxymethylation of α‐trifluoromethyl alkenes

Abstract Herein, we present a novel method for the synthesis of gem ‐difluoroalkenes via visible‐light photoredox‐catalyzed defluoroaryloxymethylation of α‐trifluoromethyl alkenes using α‐silyl ethers as aryloxymethyl radical precursors. This reaction shows good functional group tolerance and provides the desired products in good to excellent yields. Based on mechanistic studies, we propose a reaction mechanism involving single‐electron oxidation of an α‐silyl ether to generate an α‐aryloxymethyl radical.