Photo-induced C(sp2)-H difluoroalkylation of anilines.

A photoinduced protocol for the direct difluoroalkylation of C(sp2)-H bonds in anilines under catalyst-free reaction conditions is presented. This transformation is characterized by a wide substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, and operational simplicity, and could serve as an alternative tool to established methods for the synthesis of difluoroalkylated anilines. Mechanistic studies suggest the formation of an electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between anilines and difluoroalkyl bromides in this reaction.