Work

Ligand-Free Cerium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Fluorination of Carboxylic Acids

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report a ligand-free, cerium-catalyzed decarboxylative fluorination of carboxylic acids via photoinduced ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) catalysis. This method utilizes readily available carboxylic acids as radical precursors, enabling the selective formation of alkyl fluorides under mild conditions. The protocol tolerates diverse carboxylic acids with a high functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies confirm that the reaction proceeds via alkyl radical generation through light-induced LMCT of cerium-(IV) carboxylate followed by fluorine transfer. This efficient and cost-effective strategy provides a sustainable route to fluorinated molecules relevant to pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Source: ACS Organic & Inorganic Au

DOI: 10.1021/acsorginorgau.5c00024

Authors: Maham Azhar, Tianyou Peng, Osama El-Sepelgy

Institution: Leibniz Institute for Catalysis

Language: English

Topic: Fluorine in Organic Chemistry

Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: European Commission