A Dual Catalytic Approach for the Halogen-Bonding-Mediated Reductive Cleavage of α-Bromodifluoroesters and Amides

While charge-transfer complexes involving halogen-bonding interactions have emerged as an alternative strategy for the photogeneration of carbon radicals, examples using (fluoro)alkyl bromides are limited. This report describes a dual catalytic approach for radical generation from α-bromodifluoroesters and amides under visible-light irradiation. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through in situ bromide displacement using a catalytic iodide salt, generating a C-I bond that can be engaged by our halogen-bonding photocatalysis platform.