Platinum(II)-catalyzed cross-coupling of polyfluoroaryl imines.

The introduction of fluorine into an organic molecule imparts unique physicochemical properties. Not surprisingly, fluorine is increasingly incorporated into new drugs and agrochemicals. However, aryl fluoride building blocks are only available through synthesis. The ability to cross-couple polyfluoroaromatics selectively could provide a convenient route to functionalized fluoroaromatics. We report herein the first examples of Pt-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl fluorides. The methylated products can potentially serve as precursors to a wide range of functionalized fluorinated small molecules.