Trifluorinated Tetralins via I(I)/I(III)-Catalysed Ring Expansion: Programming Conformation by [CH2 CH2 ] → [CF2 CHF] Isosterism

Nitrogen-Based Organofluorine Functional Molecules: Synthesis and Applications

Fluorine and nitrogen form a successful partnership in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and material sciences. Although fluorine-nitrogen chemistry has a long and rich history, this field has received increasing interest and made remarkable progress over the past two decades, driven by recent advancements in transition metal and organocatalysis and photochemistry. This review, emphasizing contributions from 2015 to 2023, aims to update the state of the art of the synthesis and applications of nitrogen-based organofluorine functional molecules in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. In dedicated sections, we first focus on fluorine-containing reagents organized according to the type of fluorine-containing groups attached to nitrogen, including N-F, N-RF, N-SRF, and N-ORF. This review also covers nitrogen-linked fluorine-containing building blocks, catalysts, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, underlining these components' broad applicability and growing importance in modern chemistry.

Catalytic Fluorination of α-Branched Ketones with Nucleophilic Fluorine

We herein disclose the first example of metal-free, redox-umpolung-enabled catalytic fluorination of α-branched ketones with nucleophilic fluorine by the judicious choice of an oxidant. The strategic use of cyclopropyl malonoyl peroxide in hypervalent iodine(III) catalysis expands the modularity and generality in the construction of α-fluorinated ketones with ideally orthogonal reactivity space, avoiding competing oxidation processes. Characteristic for this transformation is its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, and gram-scale synthetic ability.

Origami with small molecules: exploiting the C-F bond as a conformational tool

When present within an organic molecule, the C-F bond tends to align in predictable ways with neighbouring functional groups, due to stereoelectronic effects such as hyperconjugation and electrostatic attraction/repulsion. These fluorine-derived conformational effects have been exploited to control the shapes, and thereby enhance the properties, of a wide variety of functional molecules including pharmaceutical agents, liquid crystals, fragrance chemicals, organocatalysts, and peptides. This comprehensive review summarises developments in this field during the period 2010-2024.

Saturated F2-Rings from Alkenes

A general method to convert simple exocyclic alkenes into saturated F2-rings has been developed. The reaction involves reagent C6F5I(OAc)2. The reaction efficiently works on the mg-, g-, and even multigram scale.

Photoinduced Difluoromethylation Cyclization to Generate Medium-Sized Difluoro-benzo[b]azepines

Compared with the energetically favorable 5- or 6-membered fluoro-functionalized heterocycles, the construction of medium-sized fluoro-heterocycles is relatively under-researched because of their inherently unfavorable enthalpic and entropic nature. Based on rational design and DFT calculations, a novel photocatalytic difluoromethyl radical-initiated intramolecular 7-endo-trig cyclization was realized, thus affording a sustainable route for the synthesis of challenging fluoro-functionalized medium-sized N-heterocycles. Depending on atomic dipole moment corrected Hirshfeld population (ADCH) charge calculations, the chemoselective 6-exo-trig radical cyclizations were further replenished. Large-scale synthesis and derivatization demonstrated the wide utility of this method.

Stereodivergent Synthesis of the Vicinal Difluorinated Tetralin of Casdatifan Enabled by Ru-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation

We disclose a stereodivergent strategy to prepare vicinal difluorinated tetralins from γ-substituted tetralones via a combination of catalyst-controlled transfer hydrogenation and substrate-controlled fluorinations. This process is easily scalable and amenable to highly functionalized substrates, as demonstrated here in the late-stage synthesis of casdatifan, a clinical-stage inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α. Analysis of the physicochemical properties of casdatifan, which features a cis-vicinal difluoride, revealed a higher level of facial polarization compared to its trans-vicinal difluoride isomers.

Synthesis of Substituted Tetralins via Nitrogen Deletion/Diels-Alder Cascade Reaction

Skeletal editing is an important approach for the modification and diversification of biologically active molecules. The utilization of nitrogen deletion strategies in skeletal editing has recently emerged as a new method for compound modification. Here, we report an unexpected nitrogen deletion in isoindolines. Contrary to the anticipated outcome of cyclobutane formation via intramolecular radical couplings, the nitrogen deletion of isoindoline triggers a Diels-Alder cycloaddition facilitated by the in situ formation of ortho-xylylene to yield tetraline. Inspired by this reaction, we developed a new strategy for synthesizing substituted tetralins, employing isoindoline, nitrogen deletion reagent (anomeric amide), and dienophiles. This methodology demonstrates a new pathway for tetralin synthesis and the modification and diversification of isoindolines.

High-Energy Ball Milling Enables an Ultra-Fast Wittig Olefination Under Ambient and Solvent-free Conditions

30 Seconds to success!-The Wittig reaction, a fundamental and extensively utilized reaction in organic chemistry, enables the efficient conversion of carbonyl compounds to olefins using phosphonium salts. Traditionally, meticulous reaction setup, including the pre-formation of a reactive ylide species via deprotonation of a phosphonium salt, is crucial for achieving high-yielding reactions under classical solution-based conditions. In this report, we present an unprecedented protocol for an ultra-fast mechanically induced Wittig reaction under solvent-free and ambient conditions, often eliminating the need for tedious ylide pre-formation under strict air and moisture exclusion. A range of aldehydes and ketones were reacted with diverse phosphonium salts under high-energy ball milling conditions, frequently giving access to the respective olefins in only 30 seconds.

The Conformational Behaviour of Fluorinated Tetrahydrothiopyran

We present a comprehensive study on the conformational behavior of diversely substituted 4-fluorotetrahydrothiopyran derivatives. Through quantum chemical simulations including DFT as well as NBO and NPA analysis, we elucidate the pivotal role of electrostatic interactions, occasionally complemented by hyperconjugative interactions, in stabilizing axial fluorine conformers. Less polar conformers were occasionally obtained, attributed to the interplay of electrostatic and hyperconjugative interactions. Experimental validation through NMR spectroscopy aligns with the computational analysis, thus providing a coherent understanding of the structural dynamics of these compounds.

Catalytic Ring Expanding Difluorination: An Enantioselective Platform to Access β,β-Difluorinated Carbocycles

Cyclic β,β-difluoro-carbonyl compounds have a venerable history as drug discovery leads, but limitations in the synthesis arsenal continue to impede chemical space exploration. This challenge is particularly acute in the arena of fluorinated medium rings where installing the difluoromethylene unit subtly alters the ring conformation by expanding the internal angle (∠C-CF2-C>∠C-CH2-C): this provides a handle to modulate physicochemistry (e.g. pKa). To reconcile this disparity, a highly modular ring expansion has been devised that leverages simple α,β-unsaturated esters and amides, and processes them to one-carbon homologated rings with concomitant geminal difluorination (6 to 10 membered rings, up to 95 % yield). This process is a rare example of the formal difluorination of an internal alkene and is enabled by sequential I(III)-enabled O-activation. Validation of enantioselective catalysis in the generation of unprecedented medium ring scaffolds is reported (up to 93 : 7 e.r.) together with X-ray structural analyses and product derivatization.

Determination of the Hammett Acidity of HF/Base Reagents

Harnessing the acidity of HF/base reagents is of paramount importance to improve the efficiency and selectivity of fluorination reactions. Yet, no general method has been reported to evaluate their acidic properties, and experimental designs are still relying on a trial-and-error approach. We report a new method based on 19F NMR spectroscopy which allows highly sensitive measures and short-time analyses. Advantageously, the basic properties of the indicators can be determined upstream by DFT calculations, affording a simple yet robust semiempirical approach. In particular, the indicators used in this study were rationally designed to fit on the conceptually appealing and commonly used Hammett scale. This method has been applied to commercially available and recently developed HF/base reagents.

Highly Diastereoselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Aziridines with Difluorinated Silyl Enol Ethers: Divergent Synthesis of 4,4-Difluoropyrrolidines and 4-Fluoropyrroles

A highly diastereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of aziridines with difluorinated silyl enol ethers has been developed. This approach provides a facile methodology for highly functionalized gem-difluorinated pyrrolidines in good to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. A one-pot, two-step approach for synthesis of structurally interesting fluorinated pyrroles has also been developed through a cycloaddition/aromatization/desulfonation sequence. Moreover, readily available substrates, mild reaction conditions, and easy scale-up synthesis show practical advantages.

Regioselective, catalytic 1,1-difluorination of enynes

Fluorinated small molecules are prevalent across the functional small-molecule spectrum, but the scarcity of naturally occurring sources creates an opportunity for creative endeavour in developing routes to access these important materials. Iodine(I)/iodine(III) catalysis has proven to be particularly well-suited to this task, enabling abundant alkene substrates to be readily intercepted by in situ-generated λ3-iodanes and processed to high-value (di)fluorinated products. These organocatalysis paradigms often emulate metal-based processes by engaging the π bond and, in the case of styrenes, facilitating fluorinative phenonium-ion rearrangements to generate difluoromethylene units. Here we demonstrate that enynes are competent proxies for styrenes, thereby mitigating the recurrent need for aryl substituents, and enabling highly versatile homopropargylic difluorides to be generated in an operationally simple manner. The scope of the method is disclosed, together with application in target synthesis (>30 examples, up to >90% yield).

Forging Medium Rings via I(I)/I(III)-Catalyzed Diene Carbofunctionalization

A main-group catalysis-based strategy to access 8-membered carbocycles via the direct carbofunctionalization of 2-phenethyl-substituted 1,3-dienes is disclosed. Through the intervention of an I(I)/I(III) catalysis cycle, the synthesis of densely functionalized, fluorinated benzocyclooctenes can be achieved in an operationally simple manner. Modulating the oxidation/activation regime, and the external nucleophile, the process has been extended to unify the challenging cyclization with formation of allylic C-O, C-N, and C-C bonds (>30 examples). Derivatization of the product benzocyclooctenes is demonstrated together with X-ray conformational analysis, preliminary validation of enantioselective catalysis and a scalable resolution protocol.

Iodine(III)-Mediated Migratory gem-Difluorinations: Synthesis of β Transformable Functionality Substituted gem-Difluoroalkanes

Geminal-difluoroalkanes featuring intriguing steric and electronic properties are of great significance in medicinal chemistry, and great progresses have been achieved for their synthesis. In recent years, iodine(III) reagent-mediated migratory gem-difluorination of alkenes has proved to be an efficient and powerful strategy to access to diverse gem-difluoroalkanes, especially those bearing a readily transformable functionality (TF), which are important for rapid assembly of complex gem-difluorinated molecules in a modular and diverse manner. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent development of iodine(III)-mediated migratory gem-difluorination reactions for the synthesis of gem-difluoroalkanes bearing a synthetically versatile TF at the β position. The reaction mechanism and the utilities of the products are also discussed. This review is presented and grouped basically according to the types of transformable functionalities within the products.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Wagner-Meerwein Rearrangements with Concomitant Nucleophilic Hydrofluorination

We report a cobalt-catalyzed Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement of gem-disubstituted allylarenes that generates fluoroalkane products with isolated yields up to 84 %. Modification of the counteranion of the N-fluoropyridinium oxidant suggests the substrates undergo nucleophilic fluorination during the reaction. Subjecting the substrates to other known metal-mediated hydrofluorination procedures did not lead to observable 1,2-aryl migration. Thus, indicating the unique ability of these cobalt-catalyzed conditions to generate a sufficiently reactive electrophilic intermediate capable of promoting this Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement.

Pentafluorocyclopropanation of (Hetero)arenes Using Sulfonium Salts: Applications in Late-Stage Functionalization

The evaluation of the pentafluorocyclopropyl group as a chemotype in crop protection and medicinal chemistry has been hampered in the past by the lack of suitable methodologies that enable the practical incorporation of this moiety into advanced synthetic intermediates. Herein, we report the gram-scale synthesis of an unprecedented sulfonium salt, 5-(pentafluorocyclopropyl)dibenzothiophenium triflate, and its use as a versatile reagent for the photoinduced C-H pentafluorocyclopropylation of a broad series of non-previously functionalized (hetero)arenes through a radical mediated mechanism. The scope and potential benefits of the protocol developed are further demonstrated by the late-stage introduction of the pentafluorocyclopropyl unit into biologically relevant molecules and widely used pharmaceuticals.

Integrating I(I)/I(III) catalysis in reaction cascade design enables the synthesis of gem-difluorinated tetralins from cyclobutanols

Partially saturated, fluorine-containing rings are ubiquitous across the drug discovery spectrum. This capitalises upon the biological significance of the native structure and the physicochemical advantages conferred by fluorination. Motivated by the significance of aryl tetralins in bioactive small molecules, a reaction cascade has been validated to generate novel gem-difluorinated isosteres from 1,3-diaryl cyclobutanols in a single operation. Under the Brønsted acidity of the catalysis conditions, an acid-catalysed unmasking/fluorination sequence generates a homoallylic fluoride in situ. This species serves as the substrate for an I(I)/I(III) cycle and is processed, via a phenonium ion rearrangement, to an (isolable) 1,3,3-trifluoride. A final C(sp³)-F bond activation event, enabled by HFIP, forges the difluorinated tetralin scaffold. The cascade is highly modular, enabling the intermediates to be intercepted: this provides an expansive platform for the generation of structural diversity.

Catalytic, Regioselective 1,4-Fluorodifunctionalization of Dienes

A catalysis-based regioselective 1,4-fluorofunctionalization of trifluoromethyl substituted 1,3-dienes has been developed to access compact, highly functionalized products. The process allows E,Z-mixed dienes to be processed to a single E-alkene isomer, and leverages an inexpensive and operationally convenient I(I)/I(III) catalysis platform. The first example of catalytic 1,4-difluorination is disclosed and subsequently evolved to enable 1,4-hetero-difunctionalization, which allows δ-fluoro-alcohol and amine derivatives to be forged in a single operation. The protocol is compatible with a variety of nucleophiles including fluoride, nitriles, carboxylic acids, alcohols and even water thereby allowing highly functionalized products, with a stereocenter bearing both C(sp3 )-F and C(sp3 )-CF3 groups, to be generated rapidly. Scalability (up to 3 mmol), and facile post-reaction modifications are demonstrated to underscore the utility of the method in expanding organofluorine chemical space.

5-(Trifluorovinyl)dibenzothiophenium Triflate: Introducing the 1,1,2-Trifluoroethylene Tether in Drug-Like Structures

This manuscript reports the synthesis and structure of an unprecedented sulfonium salt, 5-(trifluorovinyl)dibenzothiophenium triflate, and its use as a versatile reagent for the introduction of the bioisosteric 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene linker in drug-like structures. The protocol developed consists of the reaction of this compound with alcohols and phenols to deliver a complete set of 1,2,2-trifluoro-2-(alkoxy-/aryloxy)ethyl sulfonium salts, which have been purified by column chromatography and fully characterized. Subsequent single electron reduction under mild photochemical conditions efficiently affords the corresponding fluoroalkyl radicals that are trapped either intra- or intermolecularly through their reaction with (hetero)arenes. Theoretical calculations are used to evaluate the conformational consequences derived from the presence of the CF₂ -CHF tether.

Skeletal Ring Contractions via I(I)/I(III) Catalysis: Stereoselective Synthesis of cis-α,α-Difluorocyclopropanes

The clinical success of α,α-difluorocyclopropanes, combined with limitations in the existing synthesis portfolio, inspired the development of an operationally simple, organocatalysis-based strategy to access cis-configured derivatives with high levels of stereoselectivity (up to >20:1 cis:trans). Leveraging an I(I)/I(III)-catalysis platform in the presence of an inexpensive HF source, it has been possible to exploit disubstituted bicyclobutanes (BCBs) as masked cyclobutene equivalents for this purpose. In situ generation of this strained alkene, enabled by Brønsted acid activation, facilitates an unprecedented 4 → 3 fluorinative ring contraction, to furnish cis-α,α-difluorinated cyclopropanes in a highly stereoselective manner (up to 88% yield). Mechanistic studies are disclosed together with conformational analysis (X-ray crystallography and NMR) to validate cis-α,α-difluorocyclopropanes as isosteres of the 1,4-dicarbonyl moiety. Given the importance of this unit in biology and the foundational n_o → π* interactions that manifest themselves in this conformation (e.g., collagen), it is envisaged that the title motif will find application in focused molecular design.

Regio- and Enantioselective Intermolecular Aminofluorination of Alkenes via Iodine(I)/Iodine(III) Catalysis

The regio- and enantio-selective, intermolecular vicinal fluoroamination of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes has been achieved by enantioselective II /IIII catalysis. Leveraging C2 -symmetric resorcinol-based aryl iodide catalysts, it has been possible to intercept the transient iodonium intermediate using simple nitriles, which function as both the solvent and nucleophile. In situ Ritter reaction provides direct access to the corresponding amides (up to 89 % yield, e.r. 93 : 7). This main group catalysis paradigm inverts the intrinsic regioselectivity of the uncatalyzed process, thereby providing facile access to tertiary, benzylic stereocenters bearing both CF3 and F groups. Privileged phenethylamine pharmacophores can be generated in which there is complete local partial charge inversion (CF3δ- /Fδ- versus CH3δ+ /Hδ+ ). Crystallographic analyses of representative β-fluoroamide products reveal highly pre-organized conformations that manifest the stereoelectronic gauche effect.

Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Fluorinated Isochromans via Iodine(I)/Iodine(III) Catalysis

The success of saturated, fluorinated heterocycles in contemporary drug discovery provides a stimulus for creative endeavor in main group catalysis. Motivated by the ubiquity of isochromans across the bioactive small molecule spectrum, the prominence of the anomeric effect in regulating conformation, and the metabolic lability of the benzylic position, iodine(I)/iodine(III) catalysis has been leveraged for the stereocontrolled generation of selectively fluorinated analogs. To augment the current arsenal of fluorocyclization reactions involving carboxylic acid derivatives, the reaction of readily accessible 2-vinyl benzaldehydes is disclosed (up to >95 : 05 d.r. and 97 : 03 e.r.). Key stereoelectronic interactions manifest themselves in the X-ray crystal structures of the products, thereby validating the [CH2 -CHF] fragment as a stereoelectronic mimic of the [O-CH(OR)] acetal motif.

Catalytic Synthesis of 5-Fluoro-2-oxazolines: Using BF3·Et2O as the Fluorine Source and Activating Reagent

Hypervalent iodine catalyst-catalyzed nucleophilic fluorination of unsaturated amides using BF₃·Et₂O as the fluorine source and activating reagent was reported. Various 5-fluoro-2-oxazoline derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent yields (up to 95% isolated yield) within 10 min. The process was efficient and metal-free under mild conditions. A mechanism involving a fluorination/1,2-aryl migration/cyclization cascade was proposed on the basis of previous work and experimental results.

Divergent Synthesis of gem-Difluorinated Oxa-Spirocyclohexadienones by One-Pot Sequential Reactions of p-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohols with Difluoroenoxysilanes

A new efficient formal [2 + 3] cyclization of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with difluoroenoxysilanes has been established. This convenient one-pot sequential procedure enables the divergent construction of highly functionalized gem-difluorinated oxa-spirocyclohexadienones under mild conditions. As opposed to the common C1 synthons in previous studies, difluoroenoxysilanes acted as new 3-atom (CCO) synthons for the first time here. The AcOH and H₂O generated in the reaction are critical for the reactions to proceed smoothly.

Electrophilic Fluorination of Alkenes via Bora-Wagner-Meerwein Rearrangement. Access to β-Difluoroalkyl Boronates

The electrophilic fluorination of geminal alkyl substituted vinyl-Bmida derivatives proceeds via bora-Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement. According to DFT modelling studies this rearrangement occurs with a low activation barrier via a bora-cyclopropane shaped TS. The Bmida group has a larger migration aptitude than the alkyl moiety in the Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement of the presented electrophilic fluorination reactions.

Expanding organofluorine chemical space: the design of chiral fluorinated isosteres enabled by I(i)/I(iii) catalysis

Short aliphatic groups are prevalent in bioactive small molecules and play an essential role in regulating physicochemistry and molecular recognition phenomena. Delineating their biological origins and significance have resulted in landmark developments in synthetic organic chemistry: Arigoni's venerable synthesis of the chiral methyl group is a personal favourite. Whilst radioisotopes allow the steric footprint of the native group to be preserved, this strategy was never intended for therapeutic chemotype development. In contrast, leveraging H → F bioisosterism provides scope to complement the chiral, radioactive bioisostere portfolio and to reach unexplored areas of chiral chemical space for small molecule drug discovery. Accelerated by advances in I(i)/I(iii) catalysis, the current arsenal of achiral 2D and 3D drug discovery modules is rapidly expanding to include chiral units with unprecedented topologies and van der Waals volumes. This Perspective surveys key developments in the design and synthesis of short multivicinal fluoroalkanes under the auspices of main group catalysis paradigms.

Enantio- and Diastereoselective, Complete Hydrogenation of Benzofurans by Cascade Catalysis

We report an enantio- and diastereoselective, complete hydrogenation of multiply substituted benzofurans in a one-pot cascade catalysis. The developed protocol facilitates the controlled installation of up to six new defined stereocenters and produces architecturally complex octahydrobenzofurans, prevalent in many bioactive molecules. A unique match of a chiral homogeneous ruthenium-N-heterocyclic carbene complex and an in situ activated rhodium catalyst from a complex precursor act in sequence to enable the presented process.

Trifluorinated Tetralins via I(I)/I(III)-Catalysed Ring Expansion: Programming Conformation by [CH2 CH2 ] → [CF2 CHF] Isosterism

Saturated, fluorinated carbocycles are emerging as important modules for contemporary drug discovery. To expand the current portfolio, the synthesis of novel trifluorinated tetralins has been achieved. Fluorinated methyleneindanes serve as convenient precursors and undergo efficient difluorinative ring expansion with in situ generated p-TolIF2 (>20 examples, up to >95 %). A range of diverse substituents are tolerated under standard catalysis conditions and this is interrogated by Hammett analysis. X-ray analysis indicates a preference for the CH-F bond to occupy a pseudo-axial orientation, consistent with stabilising σC-H →σC-F * interactions. The replacement of the symmetric [CH2 -CH2 ] motif by [CF2 -CHF] removes the conformational degeneracy intrinsic to the parent tetralin scaffold leading to a predictable half-chair. The conformational behavior of this novel structural balance has been investigated by computational analysis and is consistent with stereoelectronic theory.