We have developed a novel and simple protocol for the direct incorporation of a difluoromethyl (CF₂H) group into alkenes by visible-light-driven photoredox catalysis. The use of fac-[Ir(ppy)₃] (ppy=2-pyridylphenyl) photocatalyst and shelf-stable Hu's reagent, N-tosyl-S-difluoromethyl-S-phenylsulfoximine, as a CF₂H source is the key to success. The well-designed photoredox system achieves synthesis of not only β-CF₂H-substituted alcohols but also ethers and an ester from alkenes through solvolytic processes. The present method allows a single-step and regioselective formation of C(sp³)–CF₂H and C(sp³)−O bonds from C=C moiety in alkenes, such as hydroxydifluoromethylation, regardless of terminal or internal alkenes. Moreover, this methodology tolerates a variety of functional groups.

A simple and regiospecific aminohydroxylation of olefins by photoredox catalysis has been developed. N-protected 1-aminopyridinium salts are the key compounds and serve as amidyl radical precursors by the action of Ir photocatalysts, fac-[Ir(ppy)₃] and [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)](PF₆) (ppy=2-pyridylphenyl, dtbbpy=4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine). The present photocatalytic system allows for synthesis of vicinal aminoalcohol derivatives from olefins with various functional groups under mild reaction conditions with easy handling.

A regio- and stereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethylated alkenes bearing four different substituents has been developed. Stereocontrolled sulfonyloxytrifluoromethylation of unsymmetric internal alkynes with an electrophilic CF₃ reagent, namely the triflate salt of the Yagupol’skii–Umemoto reagent, in the presence of an Ir photoredox catalyst under visible-light irradiation afforded trifluoromethylalkenyl triflates with well-predictable stereochemistry resulting from anti addition of the trifluoromethyl and triflate groups. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings led to tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated alkenes in a highly stereoselective manner. The present method is the first example of a facile one-pot synthesis of tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated alkenes from simple alkynes.

A regio- and stereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethylated alkenes bearing four different substituents has been developed. Stereocontrolled sulfonyloxytrifluoromethylation of unsymmetric internal alkynes with an electrophilic CF₃ reagent, namely the triflate salt of the Yagupol’skii–Umemoto reagent, in the presence of an Ir photoredox catalyst under visible-light irradiation afforded trifluoromethylalkenyl triflates with well-predictable stereochemistry resulting from anti addition of the trifluoromethyl and triflate groups. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings led to tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated alkenes in a highly stereoselective manner. The present method is the first example of a facile one-pot synthesis of tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated alkenes from simple alkynes.

Trifluoromethylated ketones are useful building blocks for organic compounds with a trifluoromethyl group. A new and facile synthesis of ketones with a trifluoromethyl substituent in the α-position proceeds through a one-pot photoredox-catalyzed trifluoromethylation–oxidation sequence of aromatic alkenes. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serves as a key and mild oxidant under these photocatalytic conditions. Furthermore, an iridium photocatalyst, fac[Ir(ppy)₃] (ppy=2-phenylpyridine), turned out to be crucial for the present photoredox process.

Trifluoromethylated ketones are useful building blocks for organic compounds with a trifluoromethyl group. A new and facile synthesis of ketones with a trifluoromethyl substituent in the α-position proceeds through a one-pot photoredox-catalyzed trifluoromethylation–oxidation sequence of aromatic alkenes. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serves as a key and mild oxidant under these photocatalytic conditions. Furthermore, an iridium photocatalyst, fac[Ir(ppy)₃] (ppy=2-phenylpyridine), turned out to be crucial for the present photoredox process.

A new strategy for the generation of carbon-centered radicals via oxidation of alkyl-, allyl-, benzyl- and arylborates by visible-light-driven single electron transfer (SET) photoredox catalysis has been established. The generated radicals smoothly react with TEMPO and electron-deficient alkenes to afford CO and CC coupling products, respectively. In this radical initiating system, cyclic organo(triol)borates turn out to be useful radical precursors.