Pentafluorosulfanyl chloride (SF5 Cl) is the most prevalent reagent for the incorporation of SF5 group into organic compounds. However, the preparation of SF5 Cl often relies on hazardous reagents and specialized apparatus. Herein, we described a safe and practical synthesis of a bench-stable and easy-to-handle solution of SF5 Cl in n-hexane under gas-reagent-free conditions. The synthetic application of SF5 Cl was demonstrated through the unprecedented reaction with diazo compounds. The chemoselective hydro- and chloropentafluorosulfanylations of α-diazo carbonyl compounds were developed in the presence of K3 PO4 or copper catalyst, respectively. These reactions provide a direct and efficient access to various α-pentafluorosulfanyl carbonyl compounds of high value for potential applications.
Keywords: copper; diazo compounds; pentafluorosulfanyl chloride; pentafluorosulfanylation; radical reactions.
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