Straightforward Access to High-Performance Organometallic Catalysts by Fluoride Activation: Proof of Principle on Asymmetric Cyanation, Asymmetric Michael Addition, CO₂ Addition to Epoxide, and Reductive Alkylation of Amines by Tetrahydrofuran

Abstract

We demonstrate that well-known transition metal catalysts can be transformed into high-performance versions by the simple use of a fluoride anion source. In situ fluoride-activated catalysts are highly active catalytic species. The isolation may lead to degradation of the species or a decrease in catalytic activity. Fluoride activation of known, relatively simple catalysts resulted in the development of one of the most efficient catalytic systems for the asymmetric cyanation of aldehydes, asymmetric Michael addition, and synthesis of cyclic carbonates. Furthermore, the fluoride-assisted reductive opening of tetrahydrofuran (THF) with amines was developed. We believe that the proposed approach can find broad applications in the enhancement of known catalytic processes and in the design of new ones.