Catalytic decarboxylative fluorination for the synthesis of Tri- and difluoromethyl arenes

Abstract

Treatment of readily available α,α-difluoro- and α-fluoroarylacetic acids with Selectfluor under Ag(I) catalysis led to decarboxylative fluorination. This operationally simple reaction gave access to tri- and difluoromethylarenes applying a late-stage fluorination strategy. Translation to [18F]labeling is demonstrated using [ 18F]Selectfluor bis(triflate), a reagent affording [ 18F]tri- and [18F]difluoromethylarenes not within reach with [18F]F2. © 2013 American Chemical Society.