Ryan Craig, Mili Litvajova, Sarah A. Cronin and Stephen J. Connon
Chem. Commun., 2018,54, 10108-10111
DOI:
10.1039/C8CC05692G,
Communication
The asymmetric nucleophilic catalysis by fluoride ions at a carbon-based electrophile has been demonstrated for the first time. Using a library of ad hoc designed bifunctional phase-transfer catalysts in which both the anion and the cation are directly involved in the reaction, the desymmetrisation of meso-succinic and -glutaric anhydrides is possible. 19F NMR spectroscopic studies support the intermediacy of an acyl fluoride intermediate.
