Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated γ-Lactams through Radical Cascades of -Cyano Alkenes with CFSONa.

We report herein a facile strategy to synthesize trifluoromethylated γ-lactams through trifluoromethylcarbonylation of -cyano alkenes using readily available CFSONa as the CF radical source. A range of trifluoromethyl-containing γ-lactams was obtained in good yields. This transition-metal-free protocol is demonstrated with mild conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, convenient reagents, and an easy-to-handle operating system.