Copper-Catalyzed Radical Selenodifluoromethylation of Alkenes: Access to CF2-Containing γ-Lactams

Herein, a practical Cu-catalyzed selenodifluoromethylation protocol was developed, using readily available diselenides as the selenium source under external-oxidant-free conditions. Various structurally diverse 4-seleno-substituted α,α-difluoro-γ-lactams were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Easy scaleup and the potential for product derivatization make this method attractive for the preparation of other valuable fIuorinated γ-lactams. Mechanistic studies suggest that the catalytic system may involve a radical pathway.