Nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction of monofluoroalkyl triflates with alkyl carboxylic acids toward the synthesis of α-alkyl-α-fluoro-alkylketones

The synthesis methods of α-fluoro-arylketones were well-established through electrophilic/nucleophilic fluorination and transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling. However, due to the site selectivity and substrate restriction, only a few cases have been developed to afford α-alkyl-α-fluoro-alkylketones. Herein, we report a general and efficient method of preparing diverse α-alkyl-α-fluoro-alkylketones via nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction of monofluoroalkyl triflates with low-cost industrial raw material alkyl carboxylic acids. These transformations demonstrate high efficiency, mild conditions, and excellent functional group compatibility. This strategy provides a general and efficient method for the synthesis of α-alkyl-α-fluoro-alkylketones.