Gold-catalyzed hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes using potassium bifluoride (KHF2)

Abstract

A gold-catalyzed hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes is reported. The salient features of this study showcase the use of potassium bifluoride, KHF₂, as the fluorinating agent in conjunction with a fluorinated solvent, hexafluoroisopropanol. The reaction is mediated by a well-defined precursor, [Au(IPr)(OH)] with an acid activator. A wide range of functionalized terminal alkynes can be converted to the corresponding monofluoroalkenes in up to 97% yield.