Photoredox-Catalyzed Access to Fluorinated Pyrroles and γ-Lactams via Switchable C(sp3)-F Bond Functionalization

Direct C-F bond functionalization of readily accessible polyfluorinated compounds is an efficient strategy for constructing complex fluorine-containing molecules. While the controllable cleavage of C-F bonds with high chemoselectivity in perfluoroalkyl groups has been an unmet challenge, we report herein a switchable, substrate-controlled method for the cleavage of single C(sp³)-F bonds or double C(sp³)-F bonds using photocatalysis. By this chemodivergent strategy, a variety of valuable yet previously inaccessible fluorinated pyrroles and γ-lactams can be produced with high chemoselectivity. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies have been conducted to elucidate the reaction pathway.