Unexpected effect of the fluorine atom on the optimal ligand-to-palladium ratio in the enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylation reaction of fluorinated enol carbonates

The enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylation reaction of fluorinated allyl enol carbonates is presented; a key feature of this transformation is the important effect of the ligand-to-palladium ratio on the enantioselectivity of the alpha-fluoroketones, since using a ligand excess (L/Pd ratio = 1.25 : 1) led to moderate results (30-76% ee), while using a L/Pd ratio <1 : 1.67 (to as low as 1 : 4) allowed the desired products to be obtained with high enantiopurity (up to 94% ee).