Research Projects

Gold-catalyzed electrophilic fluorination has received a lot of attention in the literature. Given the extensive exploration of the synthesis of fluorinated compounds by utilizing “F+” sources, a mechanistically trivial fluorodeauration from the vinylgold species limits the potential for further exploration of this reactivity. In this regard, gold-catalyzed nucleophilic fluorination reactions are thought to be promising; however, reports on this chemistry are sporadic in comparison to electrophilic fluorination. In this proposal, interesting ideas based on 1,1-fluorofunctionalization of gold carbenes and [1,n]-fluorofunctionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds have been proposed. More specifically, the investigation of the following reactivities are planned: 1) gold-catalyzed 1,1-fluorofunctionalization of gold carbenes, 2) gold-catalyzed 1,2-fluorofunctionalization of C-C multiple bonds, 3) gold-catalyzed [1,n]-fluorofunctionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds and 4) gold-catalyzed fluorinative ring expansion reactions.