Sensitized Aliphatic Fluorination Directed by Terpenoidal Enones: A “Visible Light” Approach

In our continued effort to address the challenges of selective sp³ C–H fluorination on complex molecules, we report a sensitized aliphatic fluorination directed by terpenoidal enones using catalytic benzil and visible light (white LEDs). This sensitized approach is mild, simple to set up, and an economical alternative to our previous protocol based on direct excitation using UV light in a specialized apparatus. Additionally, the amenability of this protocol to photochemical flow conditions and preliminary evidence for electron-transfer processes are highlighted

Multiple Enone-Directed Reactivity Modes Lead to the Selective Photochemical Fluorination of Polycyclic Terpenoid Derivatives

In the realm of aliphatic fluorination, the problem of reactivity has been very successfully addressed in recent years. In contrast, the associated problem of selectivity, that is, directing fluorination to specific sites in complex molecules, remains a great, fundamental challenge. In this report, we show that the enone functional group, upon photoexcitation, provides a solution. Based solely on orientation of the oxygen atom, site-selective photochemical fluorination is achieved on steroids and bioactive polycycles with up to 65 different sp³ CH bonds. We have also found that γ-, β-, homoallylic, and allylic fluorination are all possible and predictable through the theoretical modes reported herein. Lastly, we present a preliminary mechanistic hypothesis characterized by intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer, radical fluorination, and ultimate restoration of the enone. In all, these results provide a leap forward in the design of selective fluorination of complex substrates that should be relevant to drug discovery, where fluorine plays a prominent role

Multiple Enone-Directed Reactivity Modes Lead to the Selective Photochemical Fluorination of Polycyclic Terpenoid Derivatives

In the realm of aliphatic fluorination, the problem of reactivity has been very successfully addressed in recent years. In contrast, the associated problem of selectivity, that is, directing fluorination to specific sites in complex molecules, remains a great, fundamental challenge. In this report, we show that the enone functional group, upon photoexcitation, provides a solution. Based solely on orientation of the oxygen atom, site-selective photochemical fluorination is achieved on steroids and bioactive polycycles with up to 65 different sp³ CH bonds. We have also found that γ-, β-, homoallylic, and allylic fluorination are all possible and predictable through the theoretical modes reported herein. Lastly, we present a preliminary mechanistic hypothesis characterized by intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer, radical fluorination, and ultimate restoration of the enone. In all, these results provide a leap forward in the design of selective fluorination of complex substrates that should be relevant to drug discovery, where fluorine plays a prominent role