Visible-Light-Induced Hydrodifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes with Difluoroacetic Anhydride.

We herein described a practical and efficient protocol for hydrodifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes using readily available difluoroacetic anhydride as a difluoromethyl source by merging photocatalysis and N -hydroxyphthalimide activation. This method features a wide substrate scope and excellent compatibility with various functional groups, as demonstrated by more than 50 examples, including bioactive molecules and pharmaceutical derivatives. Mechanism investigation indicated that N -hydroxyphthalimide may also serve as the hydrogen atom donor.