Electrochemical Installation of CFH2-, CF2H-, CF3-, and Perfluoroalkyl Groups into Small Organic Molecules

Electrosynthesis can be considered a powerful and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of small organic molecules. Due to its intrinsic ability to generate highly reactive species under mild conditions by anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction, electrosynthesis is particularly interesting for otherwise challenging transformations. One such challenge is the installation of fluorinated alkyl groups, which has gained significant attention in medicinal chemistry and material science due to their unique physicochemical features. Unsurprisingly, several electrochemical fluoroalkylation methods have been established. In this review, we survey recent developments and established methods in the field of electrochemical mono-, di-, and trifluoromethylation, and perfluoroalkylation of small organic molecules.

Automated summary

Electrosynthesis is a powerful and sustainable method for synthesizing small organic molecules, capable of generating highly reactive species under mild conditions. The installation of fluorinated alkyl groups, which has gained significant attention in medicinal chemistry and material science, presents a challenging transformation that has been addressed by several established electrochemical methods.