Photochemical C-F Activation Enables Defluorinative Alkylation of Trifluoroacetates and -Acetamides

Photoredox Catalyzed Single C-F Bond Activation of Trifluoromethyl Ketones: A Solvent Controlled Divergent Access of gem-Difluoromethylene Containing Scaffolds

Selective defluorinative functionalization of trifluoromethyl ketones is a long-standing challenge owing to the exhaustive mode of the process. To meet the demands for the installation of the gem-difluoromethylene unit for the construction of the molecular architectures of well-known pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, a distinct pathway is thereby highly desirable. Here, a protocol is introduced that allows the divergent synthesis of gem-difluoromethylene group containing tetrahydrofuran derivatives and linear ketones via single C-F bond activation of trifluoromethyl ketones using visible-light photoredox catalysis in the presence of suitable olefins as trapping partner. The choice of appropriate solvent and catalyst plays a significant role in controlling the divergent behavior of this protocol. Highly reducing photo-excited catalysts are found to be responsible for the generation of α,α-difluoromethyl ketone (DFMK) radicals as the key intermediate via a SET process. This protocol also results in a high diastereoselectivity towards the formation of partially fluorinated cyclic ketal derivatives with simultaneous construction of one C-C and two C-O bonds. State-of-the-art DFT calculations are performed to address the origin of diastereoselectivity as well as the divergence of this protocol.

Coupling of α-bromoamides and unactivated alkenes to form γ-lactams through EDA and photocatalysis

γ-Lactams are prevalent in small-molecule pharmaceuticals and provide useful precursors to highly substituted pyrrolidines. Despite numerous methods for the synthesis of this valuable motif, previous redox approaches to γ-lactam synthesis from α-haloamides and olefins require additional electron withdrawing functionality as well as N-aryl substitution to promote electrophilicity of the intermediate radical and prevent competitive O-nucleophilicity about the amide. Using α-bromo imides and α-olefins, our strategy enables the synthesis of monosubstituted protected γ-lactams in a formal [3 + 2] fashion. These species are poised for further derivatization into more complex heterocyclic scaffolds, complementing existing methods. C-Br bond scission occurs through two complementary approaches, the formation of an electron donor-acceptor complex between the bromoimide and a nitrogenous base which undergoes photoinduced electron transfer, or triplet sensitization with photocatalyst, to furnish an electrophilic carbon-centered radical. The addition of Lewis acids allows for further increased electrophilicity of the intermediate carbon-centered radical, enabling tertiary substituted α-Br-imides to be used as coupling partners as well as internal olefins.

Organoboron Reagent-Controlled Selective (Deutero)Hydrodefluorination

(Deuterium-labeled) CF₂ H- and CFH₂ -moieties are of high interest in drug discovery. The high demand for the incorporation of these fluoroalkyl moieties into molecular structures has witnessed significant synthetic progress, particularly in the (deutero)hydrodefluorination of CF₃ -containing compounds. However, the controllable replacement of fluorine atoms while maintaining high chemoselectivity remains challenging. Herein, we describe the development of a selective (deutero)hydrodefluorination reaction via electrolysis. The reaction exhibits a remarkable chemoselectivity control, which is enabled by the addition of different organoboron sources. The procedure is operationally simple and scalable, and provides access in one step to high-value building blocks for application in medicinal chemistry. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism and to rationalize the chemoselectivity observed.

Defluorinative Transformation of (2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)arenes Catalyzed by the Phosphazene Base t-Bu-P2

In this study, we demonstrated that 1-tert-butyl-2,2,4,4,4-pentakis(dimethylamino)-2λ5,4λ5-catenadi(phosphazene) (t-Bu-P2) catalyzes the defluorinative functionalization reactions of (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)arenes with alkanenitriles to produce monofluoroalkene products. The reaction proceeds through HF elimination from a (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)arene to form a gem-difluorostyrene intermediate, which is followed by nucleophilic addition of an alkanenitrile and elimination of a fluoride anion. The catalysis is compatible with a variety of functional groups.

Synthesis of Alkyl Fluorides and Fluorinated Unnatural Amino Acids via Photochemical Decarboxylation of α-Fluorinated Carboxylic Acids

Leveraging α-fluoroalkyl or fluorobenzyl radicals to introduce fluorinated motifs allows for the rapid preparation of fluorine-containing building blocks. Herein, we report the generation of α-fluoroalkyl or fluorobenzyl radicals from readily available α-fluorocarboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions and their utilization in the Giese-type addition on Michael acceptors and dehydroamino acids, resulting in the preparation of mono- and difluorinated Michael addition adducts and unnatural fluorinated amino acids.

Late-Stage Modification of Drugs via Alkene Formal Insertion into Benzylic C-F Bond

C-F insertion of carbon-atom units is underdeveloped although it poses significant potential applications in both drug discovery and development. Herein, we report a photocatalytic protocol for late-stage modification of trifluoromethyl aromatic drugs involving formal insertion of abundant alkene feedstocks into a benzylic C-F bond selectively. This redox-neutral transformation features mild conditions and extraordinary functional group tolerance. Preliminary studies are consistent with this transformation involving a radical-polar crossover pathway. Additionally, it offers an alternative strategy for difunctionalization of alkenes via quenching of the carbocation intermediate with nucleophiles other than external fluoride.

Visible-Light-Induced C-F Bond Activation for the Difluoroalkylation of Indoles

An aryl disulfide mediated C-F bond activation of the trifluoromethyl group to generate valuable gem-difluoroalkylindoles is described. This method relies on readily available commodity reagents under mild reaction conditions and represents the first transition-metal-free redox-neutral C-F bond activation strategy. The reaction employs various substituted indoles and α-fluoro-substituted esters. Further, this mode of C-F activation was also amenable to the activation of trifluoromethylated arenes for the preparation of bis-benzylic gem-difluoromethylenes between indole and arene substructures, providing access to a unique chemical space.

1,2-Radical Shifts in Photoinduced Synthetic Organic Transformations: A Guide to the Reactivity of Useful Radical Synthons

The exploration of 1,2-radical shift (RS) mechanisms in photoinduced organic reactions has provided efficient routes for the generation of important radical synthons in many chemical transformations. In this Review, the basic concepts involved in the traditional 1,2-spin-center shift (SCS) mechanisms in recently reported studies are discussed. In addition, other useful 1,2-RSs are addressed, such as those proceeding through 1,2-group migrations in carbohydrate chemistry, via 1,2-boron shifts, and by the generation of α-amino radicals. The discussion begins with a general overview of the basic aspects of 1,2-RS mechanisms, followed by a demonstration of their applicability in photoinduced transformations. The sections that follow are organized according to the mechanisms operating in combination with the 1,2-radical migration event. This contribution is not a comprehensive review but rather aims to provide an understanding of the topic, focused on the more recent advances in the field, and establishes a definition for the nomenclature that has been used to describe such mechanisms.

Radical hydrodifluoromethylation of unsaturated C-C bonds via an electroreductively triggered two-pronged approach

Due to its superior ability in controlling pharmaceutical activity, the installation of difluoromethyl (CF₂H) functionality into organic molecules has been an area of intensive research. In this context, difluoromethylation of C-C π bonds mediated by a CF₂H radical have been pursued as a central strategy to grant access to difluoromethylated hydrocarbons. However, early precedents necessitate the generation of oxidative chemical species that can limit the generality and utility of the reaction. We report here the successful implementation of radical hydrodifluoromethylation of unsaturated C-C bonds via an electroreductively triggered two-pronged approach. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest that the key distinction of the present strategy originates from the reconciliation of multiple redox processes under highly reducing electrochemical conditions. The reaction conditions can be chosen based on the electronic properties of the alkenes of interest, highlighting the hydrodifluoromethylation of both unactivated and activated alkenes. Notably, the reaction delivers geminal (bis)difluoromethylated products from alkynes in a single step by consecutive hydrodifluoromethylation, granting access to an underutilized 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropan-2-yl functional group. The late-stage hydrodifluoromethylation of densely functionalized pharmaceutical agents is also presented.

Visible-Light-Induced Difluoroalkylation of 1-(Allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes and 1-(1-Arylvinyl)-2-(vinyloxy)benzenes: Synthesis of Bis-Difluoroalkylated Benzoxepines and 2H-Chromenes

A novel visible-light-mediated difluoroalkylation of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes and 1-(1-arylvinyl)-2-(vinyloxy)benzenes for the synthesis of bis-difluoroalkylated benzoxepines and 2H-chromenes is developed. This method features mild reaction conditions, good regioselectivity, a wide substrate scope, good functional-group compatibility, and late-stage modification. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the generation of the CF₂CO₂Et radical is more prone to reaction with the double bond of the aryl group.

Carbodefluorination of fluoroalkyl ketones via a carbene-initiated rearrangement strategy

The C-F bond cleavage and C-C bond formation (i.e., carbodefluorination) of readily accessible (per)fluoroalkyl groups constitutes an atom-economical and efficient route to partially fluorinated compounds. However, the selective mono-carbodefluorination of trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups remains a challenge, due to the notorious inertness of C-F bond and the risk of over-defluorination arising from C-F bond strength decrease as the defluorination proceeds. Herein, we report a carbene-initiated rearrangement strategy for the carbodefluorination of fluoroalkyl ketones with β,γ-unsaturated alcohols to provide skeletally and functionally diverse α-mono- and α,α-difluoro-γ,δ-unsaturated ketones. The reaction starts with the formation of silver carbenes from fluoroalkyl N-triftosylhydrazones, followed by nucleophilic attack of a β,γ-unsaturated alcohol to form key silver-coordinated oxonium ylide intermediates, which triggers selective C-F bond cleavage by HF elimination and C-C bond formation through Claisen rearrangement of in situ generated difluorovinyl ether. The origin of chemoselectivity and the reaction mechanism are determined by experimental and DFT calculations. Collectively, this strategy by an intramolecular cascade process offers significant advances over existing stepwise strategies in terms of selectivity, efficiency, functional group tolerance, etc.

Direct and Selective Electrocarboxylation of Styrene Oxides with CO2 for Accessing β-Hydroxy Acids

Highly selective and direct electroreductive ring-opening carboxylation of epoxides with CO2 in an undivided cell is reported. This reaction shows broad substrate scopes within styrene oxides under mild conditions, providing practical and scalable access to important synthetic intermediate β-hydroxy acids. Mechanistic studies show that CO2 functions not only as a carboxylative reagent in this reaction but also as a promoter to enable efficient and chemoselective transformation of epoxides under additive-free electrochemical conditions. Cathodically generated α-radical and α-carbanion intermediates lead to the regioselective formation of α-carboxylation products.

Dehydroxylative Alkylation of α-Hydroxy Carboxylic Acid Derivatives via a Spin-Center Shift

A strategically distinct dehydroxylative alkylation reaction of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives with alkenes is developed. The reaction starts with the attack of a 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-boryl radical to the carbonyl oxygen atom, followed by a spin-center shift (SCS) to trigger the C-O bond scission. The resulting α-carbonyl radicals couple with a wide range of alkenes to furnish various alkylated products. This strategy allows for the efficient conversion of a wide array of α-hydroxy amides and esters derived from several biomass molecules and natural products to value-added compounds. Experimental and computational studies verified the reaction mechanism.

Modular synthesis of α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters and amides via photocatalyzed triple C-F bond cleavage of methyltrifluorides

α-Arylated carboxylic acids, esters and amides are widespread motifs in bioactive molecules and important building blocks in chemical synthesis. Thus, straightforward and rapid access to such structures is highly desirable. Here we report an organophotocatalytic multicomponent synthesis of α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters and amides from exhaustive defluorination of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes in the presence of alkyltrifluoroborates, water and nitrogen/oxygen nucleophiles. This operationally simple strategy features a unified access to functionally diverse α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters, and primary, secondary, and tertiary amides through backbone assembly from simple starting materials enabled by consecutive C–F bond functionalization at room temperature. Preliminary mechanistic investigations reveal that the reaction operates through a radical-triggered three-step cascade process, which involves distinct mechanisms for each defluorinative functionalization of the C–F bond.

Here we report an organophotocatalytic synthesis of α-arylated carboxylic acids, esters and amides from exhaustive defluorination of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes in the presence of alkyltrifluoroborates, water and nitrogen/oxygen nucleophiles.

Defluorinative Alkylation of Trifluoromethylbenzimidazoles Enabled by Spin-Center Shift: A Synergistic Photocatalysis/Thiol Catalysis Process with CO2•

We describe a catalytic strategy for direct single C(sp³)-F bond alkylation of trifluoromethylbenzimidazoles under a photoinduced thiol catalysis process. The CO₂ radical anion (CO₂^•-) proved to be the most efficient single-electron reductant to realize such a transformation. The spin-center shift of the generated radical anion intermediate is the key step in realizing C-F bond activation under mild conditions with high efficiency.

Chemodivergent Csp3─F bond functionalization and cross-electrophile alkyl-alkyl coupling with alkyl fluorides

The widespread use of fluorinated organic compounds in the health, agrochemical, and materials sciences is sustained by a steadily growing pool of commercially available fine chemicals. The synthetic utility of the increasingly ubiquitous Csp³─F bond, however, remains to be fully exploited, which is often a difficult task because of its paramount stability and chemical inertness. Here, we demonstrate chemodivergent activation of monofluoroalkyl compounds toward either nucleophilic or electrophilic intermediates. This is accomplished under conditions that are compatible with several reaction types and many functional groups, which drastically widens the current scope of organofluorine chemistry and sets the stage for carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formations, stereoselective construction of bisoxindole alkaloid scaffolds via in situ Umpolung, and cross-electrophilic coupling methodology. The selective generation of either nucleophilic or electrophilic species and the possibility of doing so simultaneously or, alternatively, switching molecular polarity enable previously unidentified synthetic opportunities that recognize alkyl fluorides as chemodivergent building blocks.

Application of the Spin-Center Shift in Organic Synthesis

Spin-center shift (SCS) is a radical process involving 1,2-radical translocation along with a two-electron ionic movement, such as elimination of an adjacent leaving group. Such a process was initially observed in some important biochemical transformations, and the unique property has also attracted considerable interest in synthetic chemistry. Experimental, kinetic, as well as computational studies have been performed, and a series of useful radical transformations have been developed and applied in organic synthesis based on SCS processes in the last 20 years. This Perspective is an overview of radical transformations involving the SCS mechanism.

Photochemical and Electrochemical Strategies for Hydrodefluorination of Fluorinated Organic Compounds

Hydrodefluorination (HDF) is a very important fundamental transformation for conversion of the C-F bond into the C-H bond in organic synthesis. In the past decade, much progress has been achieved with HDF through the utility of low-valent metals, transition-metal complexes and main-group Lewis acids. Recently, novel methods have been introduced for this purpose through photo- and electrochemical pathways, which are of great significance, due to their considerable environmental and economical advantages. This Review highlights the HDF of fluorinated organic compounds (FOCs) through photo- and electrochemical strategies, along with mechanistic insights.

Asymmetric Defluoroallylation of 4-Trifluoromethylpyridines Enabled by Umpolung C-F Bond Activation

Carbon-fluorine bond activation of the trifluoromethyl group represents an important approach to fluorine-containing molecules. While selective defluorinative functionalization reactions of CF₃ -containing substrates have been achieved by invoking difluorocarbocation, difluorocarboradical, or difluoroorganometallic species as the key intermediates, the transformations via fluorocarbanion mechanism only achieved limited success. Furthermore, the enantioselective defluorinative transformation of the CF₃ group remained a formidable challenge. Here we report a defluorinative functionalization reaction of 4-trifluoromethylpyridines involving difluoro(pyrid-4-yl)methyl anion as the key intermediate, which was developed based upon our previous studies on the N-boryl pyridyl anion chemistry. In particular, asymmetric defluoroallylation of 4-trifluoromethylpyridines and -pyrimidines could be achieved by using Ir-catalysis to forge a difluoroalkyl-substituted chiral center.

Synthesis of α-Fluorinated Areneacetates through Photoredox/Copper Dual Catalysis

The development of mild and practical conditions for the fluoroalkylation of arenes is an ongoing challenge in chemical organic synthesis. Herein, we report a metallaphotoredox method for the preparation of fluoroalkyl arenes based on the synergistic combination of Ir/Cu dual catalysis from boronic acids. The mild conditions allow broad functional group tolerance, including substrates containing aldehydes, free phenols, and N-Boc-protected amines. Mechanistic investigations support a process proceeding via photoredox/copper dual catalysis.

Visible Light-Driven, Gold(I)-Catalyzed Preparation of Symmetrical (Hetero)biaryls by Homocoupling of Arylazo Sulfones

The preparation of symmetrical (hetero)biaryls via arylazo sulfones has been successfully carried out upon visible light irradiation in the presence of PPh3AuCl as the catalyst. The present protocol led to the efficient synthesis of a wide range of target compounds in an organic-aqueous solvent under photocatalyst-free conditions.

C(sp3)–F Bond Transformation of Perfluoroalkyl Compounds Mediated by Visible-Light Photocatalysis: Spin-Center Shifts and Radical/Polar Crossover Processes via Anionic Intermediates

Due to its large bond energy, precisely controllable C–F bond activation is a significant challenge in organic synthesis. A single C(sp3)–F bond transformation of perfluoroalkyl groups is particularly desirable to supply functionalized perfluoroalkyl compounds offering properties that are potentially useful in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. Recently, the single defluorinative transformation of perfluoroalkyl compounds has been developed via visible-light photocatalysis. Herein, we summarize this field via two main topics. Topic 1 covers the transformations of C(sp3)–F bonds in either perfluoroalkylarenes or perfluoroalkane carbonyl compounds via a defluorinative spin-center shift in the radical anion intermediates. Topic 2 addresses the defluorinative transformations of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes to give gem-difluoroalkenes via a radical/polar crossover process.

1 Introduction

2 C(sp3)–F Transformations via Defluorinative Spin-Center Shifts

3 C(sp3)–F Transformations via a Radical/Polar Crossover Process

4 Conclusions

Recent advances in C-F bond activation of trifluoromethylated carbonyl compounds and derivatives

The selective activation of the inert C-F bonds is one of the most challenging topics in modern organic chemistry. Trifluoromethylketones represent a class of versatile building blocks, which are inexpensive...

Photoredox-Catalyzed Defluorinative Functionalizations of Polyfluorinated Aliphatic Amides and Esters

Selective C-F bond functionalization of perfluoalkyl units has huge potential towards accessing functionalized organofluorinated compounds, but remains chanllenging due to the high C-F bond strength and inherent selectivity challenges. We report a new catalytic approach for the selective functionalization of the strong C-F bonds in polyfluorinated aliphatic esters and amides. This simple reaction proceeds in mild and operationally fashion with divergent conversions, including hydrodefluorination, defluoroalkylation, and defluoroalkenlylation, affording a diverse array of important partially fluorinated motifs. Straightforward downstream chemistry towards fluorinated alcohols, amines and drug derivatives highlights the potential of the protocol.

A Carbene Strategy for Progressive (Deutero)Hydrodefluorination of Fluoroalkyl Ketones

Hydrodefluorination is one of the most promising chemical strategies to degrade perfluorochemicals into partially fluorinated compounds. However, controlled progressive hydrodefluorination remains a significant challenge, owing to the decrease in the strength of C-F bonds along with the defluorination. Here we describe a carbene strategy for the sequential (deutero)hydrodefluorination of perfluoroalkyl ketones under rhodium catalysis, allowing for the controllable preparation of difluoroalkyl- and monofluoroalkyl ketones from aryl- and even alkyl-substituted perfluoro-alkyl ketones in high yield with excellent functional group tolerance. The reaction mechanism and the origin of the intriguing chemoselectivity of the reaction were rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

HFIP-Assisted Single C-F Bond Activation of Trifluoromethyl Ketones using Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

A visible light photoredox catalytic method for the selective cleavage of single strong C-F bond in trifluoromethyl ketones is reported. Single electron reduction of trifluoromethyl ketones generates difluoromethyl radicals which can be engaged in intermolecular C-C bond formation with N-methyl-N-arylmethacrylamides to furnish fluorine-containing oxindole derivatives in good yields. The reaction shows excellent chemoselectivity with good functional group tolerance under mild conditions. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as a solvent plays a critical role for the selective single C-F bond cleavage. High-level DFT calculations are depicted to shed light on the mechanism.