Abstract (Hetero)arylsulfur compounds where the S atom is in the oxidation state VI represent a large percentage of the molecular functionalities present in organic chemistry. More specifically, (hetero)aryl‐SVI fluorides have recently received enormous attention because of their potential as chemical biology probes, as a result of their reactivity in a simple, modular, and efficient manner. Whereas the synthesis and application of the level 1 fluorination at SVI atoms (sulfonyl and sulfonimidoyl fluorides) have been widely studied and reviewed, the synthetic strategies towards higher levels of fluorination (levels 2 to 5) are somewhat more limited. This Minireview evaluates and summarizes the progress in the synthesis of highly fluorinated aryl‐SVI compounds at all levels, discussing synthetic strategies, reactivity, the advantages and disadvantages of the synthetic procedures, the proposed mechanisms, and the potential upcoming opportunities.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/anie.202200904

(Hetero)aryl‐SVI Fluorides: Synthetic Development and Opportunities

Abstract In synthetic method development, the most rewarding path is seldom a straight line. While our initial entry into pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5) chemistry did not go according to plan (due to inaccessibility of reagents such as SF5Cl at the time), a “detour” led us to establish mild and inexpensive oxidative fluorination conditions that made aryl‐SF5 compound synthesis more accessible. The method involved the use of potassium fluoride and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA)—a common swimming pool disinfectant—as opposed to previously employed reagents such as F2, XeF2, HF, and Cl2. Thereafter, curiosity led us to explore applications of TCICA/KF as a more general approach to the synthesis of fluorinated Group 15, 16, and 17 heteroatoms in organic scaffolds; this, in turn, prompted SC‐XRD, VT‐NMR, computational, and physical organic studies. Ultimately, it was discovered that TCICA/KF can be used to synthesize SF5Cl, enabling SF5 chemistry in an unexpected way.

/pdf/oxidative-fluorination-of-heteroatoms-enabled-by-mj784aaf.pdf

Oxidative Fluorination of Heteroatoms Enabled by Trichloroisocyanuric Acid and Potassium Fluoride

Abstract We leveraged the recent increase in synthetic accessibility of SF5Cl and Ar−SF4Cl compounds to combine chemistry of the SF5 and SF4Ar groups with strain‐release functionalization. By effectively adding SF5 and SF4Ar radicals across [1.1.1]propellane, we accessed structurally unique bicyclopentanes, bearing two distinct elements of bioisosterism. Upon evaluating these “hybrid isostere” motifs in the solid state, we measured exceptionally short transannular distances; in one case, the distance rivals the shortest nonbonding C⋅⋅⋅C contact reported to date. This prompted SC‐XRD and DFT analyses that support the notion that a donor‐acceptor interaction involving the “wing” C−C bonds is playing an important role in stabilization. Thus, these heretofore unknown structures expand the palette for highly coveted three‐dimensional fluorinated building blocks and provide insight to a more general effect observed in bicyclopentanes.

Strain‐Release Pentafluorosulfanylation and Tetrafluoro(aryl)sulfanylation of [1.1.1]Propellane: Reactivity and Structural Insight

This Short Review covers the most important advances published in the literature during the last five years, concerning the synthesis, chemical modification and applications of SF5- and SF4Cl-compounds in medicinal/bioorganic chemistry and materials science.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry of SF 5 and SF 4 Cl Compounds

Abstract Borepin, a 7‐membered boron‐containing heterocycle, has become an emerging molecular platform for the development of new materials and optoelectronics. While electron‐deficient borepins are well‐established, reduced electron‐rich species have remained elusive. Herein we report the first isolable, crystalline borepin radical (2 a, 2 b) and anion (3 a, 3 b) complexes, which have been synthesized by potassium graphite (KC8) reduction of cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene‐dibenzo[b,d]borepin precursors. Borepin radicals and anions have been characterized by EPR or NMR, elemental analysis, X‐ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the bonding features have been investigated computationally using density functional theory.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/anie.202202516

Isolation of Stable Borepin Radicals and Anions

A facile route to polysubstituted 2-pyrones from readily available 2-acylcyclopropane-1-aryl-1-carboxylates mediated by TfOH is reported. The strongly donating 1-aryl group is important for directing the C–C bond cleavage of the donor-acceptor cyclopropane ring, which then leads to the formation of the 2-pyrone ring through lactonization.

Sunewang R. Wang

Papers

Facile Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2-Pyrones via TfOH-Mediated Ring Expansion of 2-Acylcyclopropane-1-carboxylates