Catalyst-Free Hydrodefluorination of Perfluoroarenes with NaBH4

Presented is an economical means of removing fluorine from various highly fluorinated arenes using NaBH4. The procedure was adapted for different classes of perfluoroarenes. A novel isomer of an emerging class of organic dyes based on the carbazole phthalonitrile motif was succinctly synthesized in two steps from tetrafluorophthalonitrile, demonstrating the utility of the hydrodefluorination procedure. Initial exploration of the dye shows it to be photoactive and capable of facilitating contrathermodynamic styrenoid E/Z isomerization.

Automated summary

An economical method using NaBH4 for removing fluorine from highly fluorinated arenes was presented. A novel organic dye based on carbazole phthalonitrile was synthesized in two steps, demonstrating its photoactivity and ability to facilitate isomerization.