Lewis base catalysis promotes the in situ generation of amine-HF reagents from benzoyl fluoride and a non-nucleophilic alcohol. The hydrofluorination of aziridines to provide β-fluoroamines using this latent HF source is described. This protocol displays a broad scope with respect to aziridine substitution and N-protecting groups. Examples of regio- and diastereoselective ring opening to access medicinally relevant β-fluoroamine building blocks are presented.
© 2012 American Chemical Society