Blue Light Induced Difluoroalkylation of Alkynes and Alkenes

The difluoroalkylation of alkynes and alkenes by direct photoexcitation of ethyl difluoroiodoacetate is described. Under catalyst- and oxidant-free conditions, iododifluoroalkylation and hydrodifluoroalkylation products were generated from alkynes, and difluoroalkylation products were prepared from alkenes. This methodology provides a streamlined access to difluoroalkylated organic compounds starting from simple alkynes or alkenes.