F makes the break: The carbon–fluorine single bond is quite strong, thus making aliphatic CF bond scission unusually challenging. A new methodology utilizing YbI3 leads to the conversion of a CF bond into a CI bond, and is compatible with various functional groups. The reaction is exceptionally selective towards alkyl fluorides and proceeds under mild conditions.

In the context of green chemistry, the replacement of high molecular weight stoichiometric oxidants with O2 is most desirable but difficult. Here, we report the asymmetric aerobic oxidative synthesis of dihydropyranones. The oxidation is aided by a system of electron transfer mediators and is selective toward the homoenolate. The dihydropyranones can be isolated in high to excellent yields, with high ee (up to 95%).

Selective acylation of indoles is cumbersome often involving the need for sensitive and reactive acyl chloride derivatives or coupling reagents. Here we report a mild, functional group tolerant and highly chemoselective oxidative carbene catalyzed N-acylation of indoles with aldehydes. The acylation has a broad substrate scope and is compatible with substituents on both the aldehyde and the indole reaction partner. Furthermore, aza-heterocycles such as pyrrole and indazole can also be used as nucleophiles in this reaction providing the corresponding amide congeners in good yield.

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) serve both as recyclable reaction media and as precatalysts for the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed conjugate addition of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to chalcones. The reaction produces a broad scope of 1,6-ketoesters incorporating an anti-diphenyl moiety in high yields and with high stereoselectivity. In recycling experiments, the IL can be reused up to five times with retained reactivity and selectivity. Moreover, the 1,6-ketoesters form self-assembled organogels in aliphatic hydrocarbons. The reaction protocol is robust, easily operated, scalable and highly functionalized compounds can be obtained from inexpensive and readily accessible starting materials.