Organocatalytic alkynylation of densely functionalized monofluorinated derivatives: C(sp3)–C(sp) coupling

Organocatalytic alkynylation of nucleophilic fluorocarbons using hypervalent iodine compounds under cinchona-based catalysis, namely using O-allyl N-anthracenyl cinchona alkaloid derivative II, is described. The reaction gives the final fluoro-propargyl compounds in good to excellent yields (up to 91%) and with moderate to low enantioselectivity (up to 61% ee). The reaction represents the first example of the use of hypervalent iodine compounds for the construction of fluorinated compounds and opens access to the preparation of biologically attractive compounds such as 1,2,3-triazoles.