Enolizable β-Fluoroenones: Synthesis and Asymmetric 1,2-Reduction

The hydrofluorination of enolizable ynones with AgF in t-BuOH/DMF is reported. The formation of furans as side products can be suppressed using 2,2'-biphenol. The corresponding β-fluoroenones were obtained with good Z-selectivity. A variety of functional groups are tolerated. β-Fluoroenones are vinylogous acid fluorides whose hydrolysis to vinylogous acids can be avoided under the reported reaction conditions. The asymmetric 1,2-reduction of β-fluoroenones to 3-fluoroallylic alcohols is possible with pinacolborane and a Ni(0) catalyst prepared from a pyrimidyloxazoline ligand.