Cu(OTf)₂-Mediated Fluorination of Aryltrifluoroborates with Potassium Fluoride

Abstract

This Communication describes the Cu(OTf)2-mediated fluorination of aryltrifluoroborates with KF. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions (at 60 °C over 20 h) and shows a broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance. The Cu is proposed to play two separate roles in this transformation: (1) as a mediator for the aryl–F coupling and (2) as an oxidant for accessing a proposed Cu(III)(aryl)(F) intermediate.