Copper- or silver-catalyzed cascade radical addition/dearomative spirocyclization of biaryl ynones with fluoroalkyl bromides or diethylphosphite has been realized for the first time. This method provides a novel and step-economical protocol for the divergent synthesis of a wide range of difluoromethylated or monofluoromethylated and phosphorated spiro[5.5]trienones in moderate to high yields.

A novel Fe-catalyzed olefin hydroamination with aryldiazo sulfones for accessing alkylarylazo compounds has been successfully developed. Aryldiazo sulfones are used as radical acceptors, and N−N double bonds will be regenerated when an arene sulfonyl group leaves. The reaction features mild reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope, allowing access to many azo compounds that would be difficult or perhaps impossible to access using other methods.