Recent developments in the ring-opening transformations of gem-difluorocyclopropanes

Abstract

gem-Difluorocyclopropanes (F₂CPs), a unique class of cyclopropanes, have attracted particular interest of chemists due to their intrinsic reactivity. In this context, gem-F₂CPs have been extensively studied as fluoroallylic synthons in transition metal-catalysed ring-opening/cross-coupling reactions for the preparation of linear/branched monofluoroalkenes via single C–F bond cleavage. In addition, various transformations of gem-F₂CPs via double or no C–F bond cleavage have also been rapidly developed. This mini-review summarizes these advances and briefly discusses the design, selectivity, and reaction mechanism, with a particular focus on the last two years.