Asymmetric copper-catalyzed fluorination of cyclic β-keto esters in a continuous-flow microreactor

Abstract

A highly enantioselective homogeneous fluorination of cyclic β-keto esters catalyzed by diphenylamine linked bis(oxazoline)–Cu(OTf)₂ complexes has been established in a continuous flow microreactor. The microreactor allowed an efficient transformation with reaction times ranging from 0.5 to 20 min, and the desired products were afforded in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) at a low catalyst loading of 1 mol%.