A linked dicarboxylate phase-transfer catalyst enables smooth asymmetric dearomative fluorination of 2naphthols with Selectfluor under mild conditions to give the corresponding 1-fluoronaphthalenone derivatives in a highly enantioselective manner. This reaction, which is compatible with a range of functional groups, is the first example of catalytic asymmetric fluorination of 2-naphthols, and is expected to be useful in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Scheme 1. Prior reactions and the present enantioselective dearomative fluorination of 2-naphthols.

The enantioselective 5-exo-fluorocyclization of ene-oxime compounds was demonstrated under phase-transfer catalysis. Although deprotonative fluorinations competed, the chemical yields and the ee values of the desired isoxazoline products were generally moderate to good. The absolute stereochemistry of the major isomer was determined to be S by comparison with the literature after transformation of the product to the corresponding iodinated isoxazoline.

Asymmetric dearomatizing fluorocyclization of indole derivatives was investigated using a dicarboxylate phase-transfer catalyst. This reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions to provide fluoropyrroloindoline derivatives in a highly enantioselective manner. Various substitution patterns on the indole ring are well tolerated. To facilitate the reaction and ensure reproducibility, the addition of water is essential, and its possible role is discussed.

A linked dicarboxylate phase-transfer catalyst enables smooth asymmetric dearomative fluorination of 2naphthols with Selectfluor under mild conditions to give the corresponding 1-fluoronaphthalenone derivatives in a highly enantioselective manner. This reaction, which is compatible with a range of functional groups, is the first example of catalytic asymmetric fluorination of 2-naphthols, and is expected to be useful in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Scheme 1. Prior reactions and the present enantioselective dearomative fluorination of 2-naphthols.