Palladium-catalyzed defluorinative coupling of indoles with α,α-difluoro-β,γ-unsaturated ketones: direct access to functionalized α-fluoroenones

Abstract

A palladium-catalyzed defluorinative coupling of indoles with α,α-difluoro-β,γ-unsaturated ketones is reported. This method provides direct access to a diverse range of functionalized (Z)-α-fluoroenones in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. The reaction exhibits broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance for both coupling partners, including electron-rich, electron-deficient, and sterically hindered indoles, as well as aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl-substituted fluorinated ketones. It is operationally simple, scalable, and proceeds under ambient atmosphere.