Transition-Metal-Free Approach for Z-Vinyl Fluorides by Hydrofluorination of Alkynes bearing SF₄ and SF₅ Groups

The synthesis of vinyl fluorides plays a crucial role in various scientific disciplines, including pharmaceutical and materials sciences. Herein, we present a direct and stereoselective hydrofluorination method for the synthesis of Z isomers of vinyl fluorides from alkynes containing unexplored SF₅ and SF₄ groups. Our strategy employed tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as a fluorine source. It demonstrates high compatibility with aryls, biaryls, heteroaryls, and tert-alkyl groups, allowing facile incorporation of SF₅ and SF₄ groups across the triple bond without any transition-metal catalysts. This approach avoids the potential decomposition of the SF₅ or SF₄ units via coordination with transition metals or acidic protic sources. Remarkably, this transformation proceeded at room temperature without any additional additives, providing the Z isomer of vinyl fluorides in excellent yield and high selectivity. The presence of a water molecule as a hydrate in TBAF is essential for efficient conversion. This methodology opens new avenues for the synthesis of enchanting SF₅ - and SF₄ -containing fluorinated vinylic scaffolds, thereby providing advanced opportunities for novel drug discovery and fluorinated polymers.