Carbon–fluorine bond activation for the synthesis of functionalized molecules

The synthesis of fluorinated compounds as well as the use of these products as building blocks for the preparation of complex molecules are fast growing research areas. Herein we highlight recent progress in the activation of allylic and benzylic C–F bonds for the synthesis of functionalized molecules. SN2′ reactions of allylic difluoro and trifluoro compounds as well as transition-metal-catalyzed (nickel, palladium, platinum and copper) processes are described. The C–F bond activation of 3-fluoropropenes was achieved with platinum- or organocatalysis. Benzylic C–F bond activation was realized with magnesium by deprotonation leading to the formation of reactive quinone methide intermediates and with hydrogen bond donors by forming strong F⋯H interactions.