Assembly of versatile fluorine-containing structures via N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis

Owing to the unique properties of fluorine-containing moieties in the pharmaceuticals,agrochemicals and materials,several synthetic efforts(i.e.,enzymatic resolution,transition-metal catalysis,and organocatalysis)have been frequently made to fabricate these fluorinated structures.As powerful organic catalysts,N-heterocyclic carbenes can activate carbonyl group and realize the chiral intervention of multiple sites near the carbonyl group,and have an irreplaceable power to construct fluorine-containing fragments.However,NHC-related reviews focused on the versatile synthesis of fluorine-containing fragments are absolutely rare to this date.This mini-review highlights the invention of inserting fluorine atom or assembling fluorine-containing fragments via NHC organocatalysis.By summarizing the achievements in this field,we are eager to provide enlightening clues for further developments.