Photoredox catalyzed difluoro(phenylthio)methylation of 2,3-allenoic acids with {difluoro(phenylthio)methyl}triphenylphosphonium triflate

•New applications of fluoroalkylphosphonium salts.•(Phenylthio)difluoromethylation of 2,3-allenoic acids.•Tandem radical addition/intramolecular reaction.•Facile synthesis of (phenylthio)difluoromethylated butenolides. The photoredox catalyzed difluoro(phenylthio)methylation of 2,3-allenoic acids with {difluoro(phenylthio)methyl}triphenylphosphonium triflate was investigated. A series of 4-aryl-2,3-allenoic acids underwent tandem radical difluoro(phenylthio)methylation/intramolecular cyclization to afford previously unknown 4-difluoro(phenylthio)methylated butenolides, which could be converted to the corresponding difluoro(phenylthio)methylated furan-2(3H)-one and difluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methylated butenolide derivatives. [Display omitted]