Gold-catalyzed hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes using potassium bifluoride (KHF).

A gold-catalyzed hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes is reported. The salient features of this study showcase the use of potassium bifluoride, KHF, as the fluorinating agent in conjunction with a fluorinated solvent, hexafluoroisopropanol. The reaction is mediated by a well-defined precursor, [Au(IPr)(OH)] with an acid activator.