Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated γ-Lactams through Radical Cascades of N -Cyano Alkenes with CF 3 SO 2 Na.

We report herein a facile strategy to synthesize trifluoromethylated γ-lactams through trifluoromethylcarbonylation of N -cyano alkenes using readily available CF 3 SO 2 Na as the CF 3 radical source. A range of trifluoromethyl-containing γ-lactams was obtained in good yields. This transition-metal-free protocol is demonstrated with mild conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, convenient reagents, and an easy-to-handle operating system.