Synthesis of polyfluorinated aryl ethers via ligand-free palladium-catalyzed CF activation of pentafluorobenzene

An efficient, ligand-free palladium-catalyzed method for the cross coupling reaction of pentafluorobenzene with phenols was developed. This reaction proceeds via a highly selective CF bond activation in the 3-position and is compatible with a variety of functional groups, delivering polyfluorinated aryl ethers in moderate to excellent yields.

Graphical abstractPalladium-based catalytic systems for cross coupling of pentafluorobenzene and phenols via highly selective CF bond activation in the 3-position have been established. The reactions exhibit good functional group compatibility and afford polyfluorinated aryl ethers in moderate to excellent yields.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► An efficient Pd-catalyzed method for synthesis of polyfluorinated diaryl ethers has been developed. ► This reaction proceeds with high chemo- and regioselectivity for the CF bond activation. ► A diverse set of important functional groups can be well tolerated in the protocol.