C–F Activation with Metal and Organocatalysts

Abstract

Organofluorine compounds feature the strongest single bond to carbon: the CF bond. While generally considered inert, properly devised reaction conditions can lead to the selective cleavage of CF bonds, despite the presence of weaker bonds in the molecule. This chapter outlines the different catalytic reaction pathways that result in partial or exhaustive defluorination of fluorinated units. Throughout the chapter, the emphasis is put on the singular events that lead to CF bond cleavage, not on the methods themselves.