Unstrained C-C bond activation and directed fluorination through photocatalytically-generated radical cations

Chem Sci. 2015 Sep 1;6(9):5225-5229. doi: 10.1039/c5sc01973g. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Abstract

Expanding the repertoire of controlled radical fluorination techniques, we present a photosensitized unstrained C-C bond activation/directed monofluorination method using Selectfluor and 9-fluorenone. The reaction is amenable to the opening of multiple 1-acetal-2-aryl substituted rings to yield ω-fluoro carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, and ketones with relative ease. Initial mechanistic insight suggests radical ion intermediates.