Fluorinated Sulfinates as Source of Alkyl Radicals in the Photo‐Enantiocontrolled β‐Functionalization of Enals

Abstract

AbstractThe generation of sulfonyl radicals has long been known as a flexible strategy in a wide range of different sulfonylative transformations. Meanwhile their use in alkylation processes has been somehow limited due to their inherent difficulty in evolving to less‐stable radicals after sulfur dioxide extrusion. Herein we report a convenient strategy that involvesgem‐difluorinated sulfinates as an “upgrading‐mask”, allowing these precursors to decompose into their corresponding alkyl radicals. The electron–donor character of sulfinates in the formation of an electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex with transient iminium ions is displayed, achieving the first example of a stereocontrolled light‐driven insertion ofgem‐difluoro derivatives into unsaturated aldehydes. This methodology is compatible with flow conditions, maintaining identical levels of enantiocontrol.