The photoredox-catalyzed radical difluoroalkylation/cyclization/hydroxylation cascade reaction of various 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N-arylacetamides containing unactivated alkene moieties has been developed, providing green and efficient access to various 4-hydroxyalkyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams. Control experiments confirmed a radical process, and inexpensive air acted as the sole hydroxy resource. In addition, the highlights of this protocol include good tolerance for a variety functional groups, lower photocatalyst loading, and ease of operation.

A photocatalyst-and metal-free radical tandem alkylation/cyclization between 1,6-dienes and redox-active esters has been developed, affording a series of N-aryl pyrrolidine-2-ones in moderate to good yields. The transformation is driven by the formation of an electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complex and a subsequent single electron transfer (SET) process. This photocatalyst-free protocol features excellent regioselectivity, mild conditions and broad substrate scope, providing a facile access to 3-alkyl-3,4-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrrolidin-2-one.