Synthesis of Polyfluoroalkyl Aryl Ethers Mediated by Sulfuryl Fluoride as a Traceless Activator.

Herein, we report the metal-free synthesis of polyfluoroalkyl aryl ethers via nucleophilic substitution of fluorosulfonates, obtained in one pot by bubbling of sulfuryl fluoride (SOF). Polyfluoroalkyl aryl ethers are present in a variety of biologically active compounds, but previous methods for accessing them required metal catalysts or harsh conditions. With this method, their synthesis is possible under mild conditions and with a short reaction time (30 min) from commercially available starting materials and in yields of ≤97%. Various fluorinated alcohols could be used as electrophiles, and a diversity of electron-withdrawing groups on the aryl or heteroaryl group were tolerated.