Catalytic stereoselective Mannich-type reactions for construction of fluorinated compounds

Abstract

For its unique role in developing and designing new bioactive materials and healthcare products, fluoro-organic compounds have attracted remarkable interest. Along with ever-increasing demand for a wider availability of fluorine-containing structural units, a large diversity of methods has been introduced to incorporate fluorine atoms specially in a stereoselective fashion. Among them, catalytic Mannich reaction can proceed with a broad variety of reactants and open clear paths for the synthesis of versatile amine synthons in the synthesis of natural product and pharmaceutical molecules. This review provides an overview of the employment of catalytic asymmetric Mannich reactions in the synthesis of fluorine-containing amine compounds and highlights the conceivable distinct mechanisms.

Keywords: Diastereoselective; Enantioselective; Fluorine compounds; Mannich reaction; Metal catalyst; Organocatalysis; This review article is dedicated to Emeritus Prof. David Ian Davies (University of London King's College) as an appreciation for years of research and teaching.