Visible-light induced radical aryldifluoromethylation of N-arylacrylamides by [bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene.

• A visible-light induced aryldifluoromethylation of N- arylacrylamides was achieved. • Inexpensive and readily accessible [bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene was used. • No photo-catalyst was used. • The synthesis of difluoromethyl substituted oxindoles was achieved. Visible light-induced radical aryldifluoromethylation of N -arylacrylamides using [bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene as a difluoromethylation reagent is reported for the first time. The inexpensive and readily accessible reagents and the mild reaction conditions render this method an alternative and practical strategy for the synthesis of difluoromethyl substituted oxindoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]