Metal-catalyzed benzylic fluorination as a synthetic equivalent to 1,4-conjugate addition of fluoride

J Org Chem. 2013 Nov 1;78(21):11082-6. doi: 10.1021/jo401796g. Epub 2013 Oct 17.

Abstract

We explore in detail the iron-catalyzed benzylic fluorination of substrates containing aromatic rings and electron-withdrawing groups positioned β to one another, thus providing direct access to β-fluorinated adducts. This operationally convenient process can be thought of not only as a contribution to the timely problem of benzylic fluorination but also as a functional equivalent to a conjugate addition of fluoride, furnishing products in moderate to good yields and in excellent selectivity.