Assembly of versatile fluorine-containing structures via N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis

Owing to the unique properties of fluorine-containing moieties in the pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials, several synthetic efforts (i.e., enzymatic resolution, transition-metal catalysis, and organocatalysis) have been frequently made to fabricate these fluorinated structures. As powerful organic catalysts, N-heterocyclic carbenes can activate carbonyl group and realize the chiral intervention of multiple sites near the carbonyl group, and have an irreplaceable power to construct fluorine-containing fragments. However, NHC reviews focused on the versatile synthesis of fluorine-containing fragments are absolutely rare to this date. This mini-review highlights the invention of inserting fluorine atom or assembling fluorine-containing fragments via NHC organocatalysis. By summarizing the relative achievements in this field, we are eager to provide enlightening clues for further developments.

Automated summary

This article introduces the method of inserting fluorine atoms or assembling fluorine-containing fragments through NHC organocatalysis. By summarizing the relevant achievements, it provides enlightening clues for further development.