Visible-light induced transition-metal and photosensitizer-free conversion of aldehydes to acyl fluorides under mild conditions

Abstract

Acyl fluorides are powerful synthons for acylation with wide application in the synthesis of valued compounds, especially peptides. Herein, a practical and catalyst-free method for the synthesis of acyl fluorides from aldehydes via C(sp²)–H fluorination is reported. This method enables the conversion of both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes into acyl fluorides in good to excellent yields by visible-light under mild conditions in the absence of transition-metal and external photosensitizer. A variety of functional groups were well tolerated for this transformation. This green method provides a practical pathway to synthesize acyl fluorides under mild conditions.