Copper-Catalyzed Perfluoroalkylation of Alkynyl Bromides and Terminal Alkynes

Copper-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of propargyl gem-dichlorides

Herein, we present a highly efficient copper-catalyzed protocol for transforming propargyl gem-dichlorides into the corresponding chloro-substituted fluoroalkylated allenes. This protocol demonstrates a broad substrate scope and excellent tolerance towards various functional groups. Moreover, the strategy of utilizing the chloro-substituted pentafluoroethylation allenes for multiple transformations has shown significant value in synthetic chemistry.

Photoinduced selective perfluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes via electron donor-acceptor complexes

Herein, we report a photoinduced selective perfluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes driven by the noncovalent interaction between a thymol anion and fluoroalkyl iodides. By precisely tuning the reaction solvent, a wide range of 37 structurally diverse perfluoroalkylated alkynes and alkenes, including ibuprofen, empagliflozin, galactose, isoxepac and indomethacin, were obtained in up to 92% yields. Mechanistic studies reveal the formation of EDA complexes between the thymol anion and fluoroalkyl iodides. This strategy may provide an important complement to traditional approaches to prepare useful perfluoroalkylated alkynes and alkenes.

Oxidant- and Base-Free, Copper-Catalyzed Difluoromethylation of Haloalkynes

We report herein a highly efficient copper-catalyzed protocol for the transformation of haloalkynes to the corresponding difluoromethylated alkynes. This scalable protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, enabling the late-stage difluoromethylation of bioactive molecules. Additionally, the strategy of utilizing the difluoromethylalkynes in gram-scale reactions and multiple transformations has proven to be highly valuable in synthetic chemistry.

Three-Component Perfluoroalkylvinylation of Alkenes Enabled by Dual DBU/Fe Catalysis

Herein, a simple and efficient strategy that involves dual 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)/iron-catalyzed alkene perfluoroalkylvinylation by using perfluoroalkyl iodides and 2-aminonaphthalene-1,4-diones as coupling partners is demonstrated. In terms of the developed catalytic system, various styrenes and aliphatic alkenes are well-tolerated, leading to the accurate preparation of perfluoroalkyl-containing 2-aminonaphthalene-1,4-diones in excellent regioselectivity. Moreover, the protocol can be readily applied in late-stage modifications of natural products and pharmaceuticals. The title reactions are featured by easily accessible and inexpensive catalysts and substrates, broad substrate applicability, and mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations reveal a tandem C-I cleavable alkylation and C-C vinylation enabled by cooperative DBU/iron catalysis.

Fe-Catalyzed Radical Trifluoromethyl-Alkenylation of Alkenes or Alkynes with 2-Amino-1,4-naphthoquinones

The first Fe-catalyzed three-component radical trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes with 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones and CF₃SO₂Na is reported. The developed reaction enables the highly regioselective preparation of a variety of valuable CF₃-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones in acceptable yields. In the light of the catalytic system, alkynes smoothly afford the corresponding three- or four-component trifluoromethyl-alkenylation products. This protocol features use of easily available and inexpensive reagents, broad substrate scope, and simple reaction conditions.

Perfluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Perfluoroalkyl Iodides Catalyzed by an Iron Salt

The one-step, direct perfluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides has been developed in which a simple ligandless iron salt is employed as the catalyst. Various perfluoroalkylated alkynes could be afforded in good to excellent yields with good functional group compatibility. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of the perfluoroalkyl radical in the catalytic cycle and the perfluoroalkylated alkenyl iodides as intermediates. The method provides straight, streamlined, and sustainable access to perfluoroalkylated acetylenes.