Synthesis of gem-difluorocyclobutanes: organolanthanum enabled synthesis and divergent catalytic functionalization of gem-difluorocyclobutanols
Author(s)
Ishikura, Hikaru
Rojas, Juan
Begg, Callum
Choi, Chulho
Bull, James
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Fluorinated cycloalkyl motifs continue to receive intense interest in medicinal chemistry due to their potential to modulate physicochemical properties. In recent years, this interest has extended to gem-difluorocyclobutanes as small, polar yet lipophilic moieties. However, strategies to access gem-difluorocyclobutanes remain limited, presenting opportunities for the development of new synthetic methods. Here, we report the synthesis and divergent functionalization of gem-difluorocyclobutanols to generate a diverse range of 1,1-disubstituted-3,3-difluorocyclobutanes. The use of organolanthanum reagents is crucial to achieve the addition of carbon nucleophiles to commercially available difluorocyclobutanone to avoid undesired elimination of HF by controlling nucleophile basicity. The generated difluorocyclobutanols enable functionalization through carbocation and radical intermediates, providing diverse 1,1-disubstitued difluorocyclobutanes, and expediting access to new design options for medicinal or materials chemistry.
Date Issued
2025-07-25
Date Acceptance
2025-07-02
Citation
Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2025, 90 (29), pp.10425-10433
ISSN
0022-3263
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
10425
End Page
10433
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Organic Chemistry
Volume
90
Issue
29
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .
License URL
Identifier
10.1021/acs.joc.5c01175
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-07-10