Synthesis of Fluorenones and Xanthones through Intramolecular C–F Arylation

Abstract

Abstract Facile methods to synthesize fluorenones and xanthones through C–F cleavages are disclosed. Transition-metal-catalyzed coupling reactions of 2-halogenated benzotrifluorides with arylboronic acids and phenols and following intramolecular carbonylative arylation of trifluoromethyl group afforded fluorenones and xanthones. A wide variety of cyclic ketones can be prepared by the cross-coupling/C–F arylation approach since electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl groups facilitated deprotonated transformations at neighboring moieties realizing an efficient synthesis of 2-halogenated benzotrifluorides.