Silver-Catalyzed Regioselective Fluorination of Carbonyl Directed Alkynes: Synthesis of α-Fluoroketones

A novel silver-catalyzed fluorination reaction of carbonyl directed alkynes in the presence of N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide and water with high regioselectivities has been developed. The established protocol provides an alternative method for rapid assembly of α-fluoroketone derivatives under simple and mild reaction conditions. The reaction pathway involves a ring closure and opening process for the construction of new C-O and C-F bonds. In addition, a fluorine-containing indanone was observed through further N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed intramolecular crossed-benzoin reaction of α-fluoroketone.