Search for a Symmetrical C–F–C Fluoronium Ion in Solution: Kinetic Isotope Effects, Synthetic Labeling, and Computational, Solvent, and Rate Studies

Recently, we reported evidence for the generation of a symmetrical fluoronium ion (a [C–F–C]⁺ interaction) in solution from a cage-like precursor, relying heavily on a single isotopic-labeling experiment. Paraphrasing the axiom that a strong claim must be met by as much evidence as possible, we seek to expand upon our initial findings with comprehensive labeling studies, rate measurements, kinetic isotope effect (KIE) experiments, synthetic studies, and computations. We also chronicle the development of the system, our thought process, and how it evolved from a tantalizing indication of fluoronium ion assistance in a dibromination reaction to the final, optimized system. Our experiments show secondary KIE experiments that are fully consistent with a transition state involving fluorine participation; this is also confirmed by a significant remote isotope effect. Paired with DFT calculations, the KIE experiments are indicative of the trapping of a symmetrical intermediate. Additionally, starting with an epimeric <i>in</i>-triflate precursor that hydrolyzes through a putative frontside S_N<i>i</i> mechanism involving fluorine participation, KIE studies indicate that an identical intermediate is trapped (the fluoronium ion). Studies also show that the rate-determining step of the fluoronium forming S_N1 reaction can be changed on the basis of solvent and additives. We also report the synthesis of a nonfluorinated control substrate to measure a relative anchimeric role of the fluorine atom in hydrolysis versus μ-hydrido bridging. After extensive testing, we can make the remarkable conclusion that our system reacts solely through a “tunable” S_N1 mechanism involving a fluoronium ion intermediate. Alternative scenarios, such as S_N2 reactivity, do not occur even under forced conditions where they should be highly favored