Synthesizing highly fluorinated oligophenyls via Negishi coupling of fluoroarylzinc pivalates

Previously established general synthetic methods for the synthesis of highly fluorinated biphenyls using Suzuki-Miyaura protocols require the use of organoboron compounds which are not very stable under reactions conditions and thus need to be used in large excess. Herein we report an improved general strategy for the synthesis of highly fluorinated biphenyls, terphenyls and phenyl-substituted terphenyls using organozinc pivalates. The influence of several parameters was investigated: a) in a series of different monodentate phosphine ligands, X-Phos showed the best performance; b) a higher yield could be obtained for substrates bearing less steric hindrance or lower amount of fluorine substitution; c) as iodinated substrates decomposed during the reaction, brominated electrophiles were found to be superior. The presented protocol is scalable, versatile, and works with commonly used and commercially available phosphine ligands (X Phos) and palladium sources (Pd2dba3). Also, it does not need excess nucleophile usage for terphenyl synthesis and only a slight such excess for the preparation of phenyl substituted terphenyls.

C-F bond activation under transition-metal-free conditions

The unique properties of fluorine-containing organic compounds make fluorine substitution attractive for the development of pharmaceuticals and various specialty materials, which have inspired the evolution of diverse C-F bond activation techniques. Although many advances have been made in functionalizations of activated C-F bonds utilizing transition metal complexes, there are fewer approaches available for nonactivated C-F bonds due to the difficulty in oxidative addition of transition metals to the inert C-F bonds. In this regard, using Lewis acid to abstract the fluoride and light/radical initiator to generate the radical intermediate have emerged as powerful tools for activating those inert C-F bonds. Meanwhile, these transition-metal-free processes are greener, economical, and for the pharmaceutical industry, without heavy metal residues. This review provides an overview of recent C-F bond activations and functionalizations under transition-metal-free conditions. The key mechanisms involved are demonstrated and discussed in detail. Finally, a brief discussion on the existing limitations of this field and our perspective are presented.