Friedel-Crafts Cyclization of 1,1-Difluoroalk-1-enes: Synthesis of Benzene-Fused Cyclic Ketones via α-Fluorocarbocations

Abstract

1,1-Difluoroalk-1-enes bearing a phenyl group at the C-3, -4, or -5 position, readily obtained from 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl p-toluenesulfonate, are treated with FSO3H·SbF5 to undergo Friedel-Crafts cyclization in (CF3)2CHOH. The cyclization takes place via α-fluorocarbocations, followed by spontaneous hydrolysis of the C-F bond to afford bicyclic ketones including a five, six, or seven-membered ring in good yield.