FluoroFusion: NHC-Catalyzed Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Reaction Unveils Functional Perfluorinated Diarylmethanones

A mild, facile, and metal-free approach via the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed SNAr reaction between aryl aldehydes with perfluoroarenes to obtain the coveted functional perfluorinated diarylmethanones is disclosed. This method accommodates a diverse substrate range and exhibits notable tolerance toward various functional groups. Our success in modifying biologically relevant molecules, crafting a fully fluorinated bioisosteric analogue of drug candidate D1, and highlighting the potential of these ketones as valuable electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) underscores the versatility of our methodology.