Light-Mediated Difluoromethylthiolation of Aldehydes with a Hydrogen Atom Transfer Photocatalyst

A mild general method for difluoromethylthiolation of aldehydes with PhSO2SCF2H and a decatungstate photocatalyst under redox-neutral conditions has been developed. This reaction is highly efficient, scalable, and oxidant-free. The broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance of the reaction make it suitable for generating libraries of difluoromethyl thioesters. We demonstrated the utility and sustainability of the method by synthesizing several structurally complex difluoromethyl thioesters.