Synthetic chemistry and biological activity of pentafluorosulphanyl (SF5) organic molecules

The pentafluorosulphanyl group (SF5) is a highly stable chemical function which has been attracting a great deal of interest owing to its peculiar chemical, structural, physicochemical and biological properties. Progress in the area of SF5-compounds has been somewhat hindered by the lack of straightforward lab-scale synthetic methods for introducing the SF5-group into organic molecules. However, recent synthetic progress, the availability of some SF5-building blocks from commercial suppliers and the discovery of interesting properties of SF5-substituted molecules in materials science, biology and drug discovery are giving new momentum to research in this fascinating area of fluorine chemistry. Synthesis, reactivity and biological properties of SF5-substituted organic molecules are herein reviewed with an emphasis on the work published after year 2000.

Graphical abstractSynthesis, reactivity and biological properties of SF5-substituted organic molecules are reviewed in this article, with an emphasis on the work published in the last decade.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We review the synthesis of SF5-compounds, with an emphasis on work published after year 2000. ► We review the reactivity of SF5-substituted organic molecules. ► We review the biological properties of SF5-substituted drug candidates.