A AgSCF3-mediated tandem trifluoromethylthiolation and cyclization of N-aryl-3-butenamides was developed. It showed divergent reactivities and enabled the selective syntheses of CF3S-substituted 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones and azaspiro[4,5]dienones. The selectivity was achieved through different cyclization pathways of a CF3S-substituted alkyl radical intermediate. It provides a useful tool for the synthesis of CF3S-substituted N-heterocyclic compounds.
![Graphical abstract: Tandem trifluoromethylthiolation and cyclization of N-aryl-3-butenamides with AgSCF3: divergent access to CF3S-substituted 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones and azaspiro[4,5]dienones](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D2QO00207H.jpg)